Translation and Meaning of: 刈る - karu

The Japanese word 刈る (かる - karu) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding verbs like this can enrich your vocabulary and even help in practical situations. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 刈る is used, along with tips for memorizing it effectively.

Meaning and use of 刈る

刈る is a Japanese verb that means "to cut," "to prune," or "to reap." It is often used in agricultural contexts, such as cutting grass (草を刈る - kusa o karu) or harvesting plants. However, its use is not limited to the field. For example, it can also be applied in everyday situations, such as cutting hair (髪を刈る - kami o karu), although in this case, other verbs like 切る (kiru) are more common.

It is worth noting that 刈る has a more specific meaning of "cutting something that grows," such as plants or lawns. This differentiates it from other verbs like 切る, which has a more general meaning of "cutting." This nuance is important for those who want to speak Japanese with precision, especially in rural or gardening contexts.

Origin and writing of the kanji 刈

The kanji 刈 is composed of the radical 刀 (katana), which represents a sword or blade, combined with the component 乂. This structure reinforces the idea of "cutting" or "pruning." The character itself is relatively simple, which makes it easier to for Japanese learners. It is classified as an N2 level kanji in the JLPT, being more common in technical texts or those related to agriculture.

Interestingly, 刈 also appears in compound words, such as 刈り取り (karitori - harvest) or 草刈り機 (kusakariki - lawn mower). These are useful for expanding vocabulary and understanding how the verb integrates into more complex expressions.

Tips for memorizing 刈る

An effective way to memorize 刈る is to associate it with mental images. Since the kanji contains the radical for "blade," think of someone using a sharp tool to cut grass or plants. This visualization helps to both the meaning and the writing of the character. Another tip is to practice with everyday sentences, such as "庭の草を刈る" (cutting the grass in the garden), to reinforce correct usage.

Moreover, it's worth creating flashcards with practical examples or even using apps like Suki Nihongo, which offer detailed dictionaries and contextualized phrases. The more you review the verb in different situations, the more natural it will become in your Japanese repertoire.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 刈る

• 刈る - Positive present form: 刈ります karimasu
• 刈る - Negative present form: 刈りません karimasen
• 刈る - Past form: 刈りました karimashita
• 刈る - Continuous form: 刈り続ける karitsuzukeru

Synonyms and similar words

• 刈り取る (karitoru) - Cut for harvest
• 切り取る (kiritoru) - Cut to remove a piece
• 切る (kiru) - Cutting overall, without specifying the nature of the material cut.
• 刈り込む (karikomu) - Prune or trim, especially in gardening contexts.
• 刈り取り (karitori) - Harvesting process
• 刈り込み (karikomi) - Pruning or trimming activity
• 刈り残し (karinosashi) - Unharvested portion, harvest leftovers
• 刈り跡 (kariato) - Marks or traces left after the harvest
• 刈り取り場 (karitoriba) - Local or area for harvesting
• 刈り払い (kariharai) - Deforestation or vegetation cutting
• 刈り入れ (kariire) - Another term for the act of harvesting.
• 刈り込み作業 (karikomishugyo) - Pruning or trimming work
• 刈り取り機 (karitoriki) - Harvesting machine
• 刈り取り時期 (karitorijiki) - Appropriate period for harvesting
• 刈り取り量 (karitoriryou) - Amount to be harvested
• 刈り取り機械 (karitorikikai) - Harvesting equipment
• 刈り取り場所 (karitoribasho) - Harvest location
• 刈り取り方法 (karitorihouhou) - Harvesting method
• 刈り取り道具 (karitoridougu) - Harvesting tools
• 刈り取り作業 (karitorisagyou) - Harvest work
• 刈り取り期間 (karitorikikan) - Duration of the harvest period
• 刈り取り期 (karitoriki) - Harvest season
• 刈り取り場所選び (karitoribasho erabi) - Choice of location for harvest
• 刈り取り時間 (karitorijikan) - Time required to carry out the harvest
• 刈り取り機器 (karitorikiki) - Harvesting equipment
• 刈り取り技術 (karitorigijutsu) - Harvesting techniques