Translation and Meaning of: 垂れる - tareru

The Japanese word 垂れる [たれる] is a verb that carries simple meanings in everyday life, but with interesting nuances for those studying the language. If you have ever wondered how to use this term correctly or its origin, this article will clarify everything from the basics to cultural details. We will explore its use in sentences, the composition of the kanji, and even tips to memorize it without confusion.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 垂れる is defined as "to drip," "to flow," or "to hang down," but its usage goes beyond the literal meaning. Here, you will discover how the Japanese perceive this word, in what contexts it frequently appears, and even curiosities about its writing. Get ready to learn something that conventional books often overlook.

Meaning and use of 垂れる in everyday life

The verb 垂れる is primarily used to describe liquids that drip or objects that hang down. Imagine a faucet with water dripping: 水が垂れている (mizu ga tarete iru) would be the natural way to express this. It also appears in situations like hair falling over the shoulders (髪が肩に垂れる) or even curtains swaying gently.

An interesting detail is that 垂れる can have negative connotation in certain contexts. For example, when saying 鼻水が垂れている (hanamizu ga tarete iru), it describes a nose running in an unappealing way. This casual tone makes the word more common in everyday conversations than in formal texts, where alternatives like 滴る (shitataru) may be preferred.

The kanji 垂れる and its origin

The character 垂 is composed of the radical 土 (earth) at the bottom, while the upper strokes suggest something descending. This combination is not a coincidence: etymologically, the kanji represents the idea of "suspending above the ground." Dictionaries like 漢字源 confirm that its original meaning is related to hanging objects, such as plants bent by weight or drops about to fall.

To memorize the kanji, it is worth noting that it appears in other words related to "to hang" or "to incline." 垂直 (suichoku) means "vertical," while 下垂 (kasuí) refers to something fallen or relaxed. This connection between the helps to solidify not only 垂れる but an entire useful vocabulary group for describing positions and movements.

Cultural curiosities and frequency of use

Although 垂れる is not one of the most frequently used verbs – occupying the 4,782nd position in the list of most used words in Japanese – it appears in picturesque expressions. In cooking, タレが垂れる describes sauce dripping from food, a common image in yakitori commercials. In Noh theater, the term can appear to describe the long sleeves of traditional costumes swaying slowly.

A common mistake among students is confusing 垂れる with 吊るす (tsurusu), which means "to actively hang something." The difference lies in the action: while 垂れる indicates a natural state (like hair falling), 吊るす implies intentionality (like hanging a picture). Noticing these details prevents misunderstandings when forming sentences.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 垂れる

• 垂れる - basic form
• 垂れて - Form て gerund
• 垂れた - past form
• 垂れそう - potential form
• 垂れます/垂れる - polite form
• 垂れない - negative form
• 垂れれば conditional form
• 垂れよう - imperative form
• 垂れたら - Conditional form within a sentence

Synonyms and similar words

• 垂れ下がる (tare sagaru) - hang; fall down.
• ぶら下がる (bura sagaru) - hang; swing.
• 伸びる (nobiru) - stretch; grow.
• 伸ばす (nobasu) - stretch; elongate.
• たれる (tareru) - hang; drop.
• 下がる (sagaru) - descend; fall.
• 下垂れる (katsuireru) - hang down; fall due to weight.
• 下垂れ下がる (katsure sagaru) - hang and fall down.
• 下垂れ伸びる (katsure nobiru) - grow down; stretch down.
• 下垂れ伸ばす (katsure nobasu) - stretch down; extend down.
• 下垂れたれる (katsure tareru) - let it fall down.
• 下垂れ下がす (katsure sagasu) - hang down.
• 下垂れ下げる (katsure sageru) - let it fall down.
• 下垂れ延びる (katsure nobiru) - grow downward; extend downward.
• 下垂れ延ばす (katsure nobasu) - stretch down; extend down.