Translation and Meaning of: 心掛ける - kokorogakeru

The Japanese word 心掛ける [こころがける] is a verb that carries a deep and practical meaning in the daily life of Japan. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding this term can be useful for both communication and diving into the Japanese mindset. In this article, we will explore the meaning of 心掛ける, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and some tips for memorizing it effectively.

Furthermore, we will see how this word reflects important cultural values in Japan, such as discipline and continuous effort. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese view persistence and attention to detail, 心掛ける is an expression that helps to understand this mindset. Let's start by uncovering its basic meaning and then move on to more specific uses.

Meaning and usage of 心掛ける

心掛ける is a verb that means "to keep in mind," "to strive to," or "to seek to do something with attention." It is often used to convey the idea of maintaining a goal or behavior as a conscious habit. For example, someone might say "健康に心掛ける" (kenkou ni kokorogakeru), which means "to strive to maintain health."

The term is composed of the kanjis 心 (heart, mind) and 掛ける (to hang, to apply), suggesting the idea of "hanging something in the mind" or "keeping something as a priority." This construction makes the word more commonly used in contexts of self-care, work, and relationships, where intention and consistency are valued.

Origem e estrutura do termo

The origin of 心掛ける dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when the Japanese language underwent various changes in the formation of compound verbs. The combination of 心 and 掛ける is not random: it reflects the importance that Japanese culture places on mindset and continuous effort. While 心 represents the mind and intentions, 掛ける conveys the notion of action and application.

It is worth noting that 心掛ける is a verb from group 2 (ichidan), which makes its conjugation easier. For example, its teinei (polite) form is 心掛けます, and the negative form is 心掛けない. This regularity helps Japanese learners use it without major grammatical difficulties, as long as they understand its contextual meaning.

Tips for memorizing and using 心掛ける

An effective way to memorize 心掛ける is to associate it with everyday situations where you strive to maintain a habit. For example, if you want to practice Japanese every day, you can think "I strive to study 日本語を勉強するように心掛ける" (nihongo o benkyou suru you ni kokorogakeru). Repeating phrases like this helps to cement the term in your active vocabulary.

Another tip is to observe the use of this word in Japanese dramas, animes, or articles. It frequently appears in contexts of personal overcoming, such as in dialogues about work, studies, or even life advice. By noticing its real usage, it becomes easier to understand its nuances and practical applications.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 心掛ける

• 心掛ける - present: 心掛ける
• 心掛ける - past: 心掛けた
• 心掛ける - imperative: 心掛けろ

Synonyms and similar words

• 心得る (kokoroeる) - To understand or internalize something deeply.
• 意識する (ishiki suru) - To be aware or to have awareness of something.
• 意識を向ける (ishiki o mukeru) - Directing the consciousness towards something, focusing.
• 意識を持つ (ishiki o motsu) - To be aware or to have knowledge of something.
• 意識を注ぐ (ishiki o sosogu) - Devote consciousness to something, pay active attention.
• 意識を向かわせる (ishiki o mukawasero) - Make someone direct their awareness to something.
• 意識を傾ける (ishiki o katamukeru) - Tilt or direct consciousness towards something specific.
• 意識を集中する (ishiki o shūchū suru) - Concentrate awareness on an object or task.
• 意識を向けさせる (ishiki o mukesasero) - To provoke someone to direct their awareness to something.
• 意識を向け上げる (ishiki o mukeageru) - Elevate the direction of consciousness, increasing focus.