Translation and Meaning of: 乾く - kawaku

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 乾く[かわく]. It appears in everyday situations and can confuse those who are just starting. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to better understand Japanese culture, this guide will help.

The word 乾く[かわく] means "to dry" or "to become dry."

The word 乾く[かわく] is a Japanese verb that means "to dry" or "to become dry." Unlike other similar , such as 干す[ほす] (which refers to the act of drying something), 乾く describes the state of something that has already lost moisture. For example, clothes that have dried in the sun or paint that is no longer wet.

It is worth noting that 乾く is used for both objects and more abstract situations. In Japan, it is common to hear expressions like "my mouth is dry" (口が乾く) to indicate thirst, demonstrating how the term is rooted in everyday life.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 乾 is composed of the radical 乙 (second) and 乞 (to ask), but its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, where it represented the concept of "aridity" or "lack of moisture." Over the centuries, its use has become established in Japanese to convey the idea of complete dryness.

An interesting detail is that this same kanji appears in words like 乾杯[かんぱい] (toast) and 乾燥[かんそう] (dehydration), reinforcing its connection with the absence of liquid. For those studying Japanese, noticing these connections can make memorization easier.

How to use 乾く in daily life

In Japan, 乾く is often used in domestic and weather contexts. Phrases like "the clothesline dried" (物干しが乾いた) or "the floor hasn't dried yet" (床がまだ乾いていない) are common in daily conversations. It also appears in public notices, such as signs indicating that the floor is wet.

Another relevant use is in cooking. Dishes such as 乾燥わかめ (dried seaweed) or preparation instructions that involve drying ingredients in the sun show how the term is present even in gastronomy. Those who actively practice Japanese can take advantage of these examples to reinforce their vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing 乾く

An effective way to 乾く is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine a piece of clothing hanging on the line under the strong sun: if it is drying, it is 乾いている. Another strategy is to create flashcards with images of dry objects, like a desert or a cloth without moisture.

Furthermore, it is worth practicing with short sentences. Write down examples like タオルが乾いた (the towel dried) and repeat them out loud. Over time, your brain will absorb the term naturally, without needing to memorize loose vocabulary lists.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 乾く

• 乾く Godan- dry
• 乾いています Teinei - it's dry
• 乾かせる Ichidan- causative drying
• 乾かれる ive - to be dry
• 乾かしてください Imperative- Please, dry

Synonyms and similar words

• 乾燥する (kansou suru) - Dry (the action of drying, the condition of being dry)
• 乾く (kawaku) - To dry (state of something that has become dry)
• かわく (kawaku) - Dry (variant of the kanji 乾く, with the same meaning)
• かわかす (kawakasu) - Dry (the act of making something dry)
• ひからす (hikyarasu) - Drying (weaken or wear out, it can have a more figurative connotation)
• ひからびる (hikyarabiru) - Drying (weakening to the point of becoming brittle)
• ひからべる (hikyaraberu) - Dry (to spread out or distribute something to dry)
• ひからめる (hikyarameru) - Drying (making something dry through compression or pressure)
• ひからむ (hikyaramu) - Drying (filling with moisture or becoming dry more intensely)