Translation and Meaning of: 回す - mawasu

The Japanese word 「回す」 (mawasu) is a verb that primarily means "to turn," "to rotate," or "to spin." Etymologically, 「回す」 (mawasu) derives from the kanji 「回」, which means "turn" or "to rotate," and the verbal suffix 「す」 (su), used to form transitive verbs in Japanese. The combination of the kanji with the suffix gives the verb the sense of making something spin or move in circles. In the construction of the kanji 「回」, we notice that it is composed of the radical 口 (kuchi), which means "mouth" or "opening," and the radical 囗 (kamei), which suggests enclosure or limitation, indicating the idea of movement around something delimited.

The use of the verb 「回す」 is quite broad in Japanese, as it can be used in various everyday contexts. For instance, when talking about turning a key in the lock, steering a wheel, or even ing something from one person to another in a circle. Additionally, 「回す」 is commonly used in conjunction with other verbs to form compound expressions such as 「電話を回す」 (denwa o mawasu), which means "to transfer a phone call," demonstrating the flexibility of the word.

Historically, the concept of turning or spinning is deeply rooted in cultures that used wheels and rotating mechanisms, such as Chinese culture and later Japanese culture, where the use of pulleys and water wheels was common. The spread of such a concept was natural for the Japanese language, reflecting in everyday and expressions. The revolution in agriculture and industry, which often relied on rotating mechanical systems, may have influenced the usage and popularity of the term 「回す」.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 回す

• 回せる - Potential
• 回される - ive Voice
• 回して - Imperative Form
• 回されている - ive Voice + Continuous
• 回してよ - Imperative Form + Less Polite Particle

Synonyms and similar words

• 回転する (kaiten suru) - spinning, rotating
• 回る (mawaru) - turn, spin (circular movement)
• 回り始める (mawari hajimeru) - start to spin
• 回り出す (mawari dasu) - start to spin, start to roll
• 回転させる (kaiten saseru) - spin, cause rotation