Translation and Meaning of: 役 - eki
The Japanese word 役[えき] (eki) is a versatile term frequently used in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the meaning and use of this word, this article will explore its basic translation as well as relevant cultural contexts. Here at Suki Nihongo, we always strive to provide clear and practical explanations for those who want to master the language.
Meaning and translation of 役[えき]
In its simplest form, 役[えき] can be translated as "function," "role," or "service." Depending on the context, it can also mean "benefit" or "utility." This word is often used in everyday situations, such as in jobs, tasks, or even in discussions about the importance of something.
A common example is the expression 役に立つ (やくにたつ - yaku ni tatsu), which means "to be useful" or "to serve a purpose." This phrase is widely used in Japan, both in professional and informal settings, demonstrating how the term is deeply rooted in daily communication.
Origin and writing of the kanji 役
The kanji 役 is composed of the radical 彳 (which indicates movement or path) and the component 殳 (related to actions or blows). This combination suggests the idea of a function that involves movement or activity, reinforcing the meaning of "role" or "task." The pronunciation えき (eki) is one of the kun'yomi readings, commonly used in native Japanese words.
It is worth noting that 役 can also be read as "yaku" in other contexts, such as in 役者 (yakusha - actor) or 役所 (yakusho - public office). This variation in reading is common in Japanese and requires students' attention to avoid confusing the uses.
How to memorize and use 役[えき] in daily life
A practical tip to the meaning of 役 is to associate it with situations where something or someone has a specific role. For example, think of an actor (役者) who plays an important part in a play. This image can help reinforce the concept of "function" or "service".
Additionally, try using the word in simple sentences, such as この本は役に立つ (kono hon wa yaku ni tatsu - "This book is useful"). The more you practice in real contexts, the more natural your learning will be. Japanese is a language that values practical application, so don't be afraid to test your knowledge.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 役割 (yakuwari) - Role; function
- 任務 (ninmu) - Mission; task
- 使命 (shimei) - Mission; duty (more oriented towards moral or ethical meaning)
- 職務 (shokumu) - Duty; professional responsibility
- 仕事 (shigoto) - Work; occupation
- 任せ (makase) - Delegation; trusting someone to do something
- 任せる (makaseru) - Delegate; to trust someone
Related words
Romaji: eki
Kana: えき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: war; campaign; battle
Meaning in English: war;campaign;battle
Definition: Yaku means to fulfill a certain position or duty.
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How to Write in Japanese - (役) eki
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (役) eki:
Example Sentences - (役) eki
See below some example sentences:
Kikan wa tainai no juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu
Organs play an important role in the body.
Organs play an important role in the body.
- 器官 (Kikan) - organs
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 体内 (Tainai) - inside the body
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 重要な (juuyouna) - important
- 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 果たしています (hatashiteimasu) - performing
Daijin wa seijika no naka demo juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu
Ministers play an important role among politicians.
The minister plays an important role among politicians.
- 大臣 - minister
- は - Topic particle
- 政治家 - political
- の - Possessive particle
- 中でも - Especially among
- 重要な - Important
- 役割 - role/function
- を - Direct object particle
- 果たしています - performs (present progressive)
Josei wa shakai ni oite juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu
Women play an important role in society.
- 女性 - Women
- は - Topic particle
- 社会 - Society
- において - na
- 重要な - Important
- 役割 - Paper
- を果たしています - perform
Chousha wa shiyakusho no mae ni arimasu
The government building is opposite the town hall.
- 庁舎 - government building
- は - Topic particle
- 市役所 - town hall
- の - Possession particle
- 前 - in front
- に - Location particle
- あります - is located
Bengoshi wa hikokunin o bengo suru yakuwari o motte imasu
Lawyers have the role of defending the defendants.
The lawyer has the role of defending the defendant.
- 弁護士 - attorney
- は - Topic particle
- 被告人 - defendant
- を - direct object particle
- 弁護する - Defend
- 役割 - role/function
- を - direct object particle
- 持っています - has/possesses
Yakume wo hatasu koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to fulfill your role.
It's important to play a role.
- 役目 - Paper, function
- を - object particle
- 果たす - fulfill, perform
- こと - verb noun
- が - subject particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- です - polite way of being
Yakuwari wo hatasu koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to fulfill the role.
It's important to play a role.
- 役割 - Paper, function
- を - object particle
- 果たす - perform, fulfill
- こと - verb noun
- が - subject particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Yakudatsu jōhō o teikyō shimasu
I will provide useful information.
Provides useful information.
- 役立つ - useful, beneficial
- 情報 - information
- を - direct object particle
- 提供 - provide
- します - Verb "to do" in the present
Kare wa atarashii yakushoku ni ninmei sareta
He was appointed to a new post.
He was appointed as a new position.
- 彼 (kare) - he
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 新しい (atarashii) - new
- 役職 (yakushoku) - position
- に (ni) - target particle
- 任命された (ninmei sareta) - was appointed
Gijutsu wa hitobito no seikatsu wo yori yoku suru tame ni yakudachi masu
Technology helps improve people's lives.
Technology helps improve people's lives.
- 技術 - technology
- は - Topic particle
- 人々 - people
- の - Possessive particle
- 生活 - life
- を - direct object particle
- より良く - better
- する - make
- ために - for
- 役立ちます - To be useful