Translation and Meaning of: 泣く - naku

If you are learning Japanese or simply interested in the language, you may have come across the word 泣く (なく, naku). This expression, which means "to cry," is common in everyday life and appears in various contexts, from informal conversations to song lyrics and dialogues in animes. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, practical use, and even cultural curiosities that can help you it better.

In addition to understanding the literal translation, it is important to know how the Japanese perceive this word and in which situations it is most commonly used. Does it carry a different emotional weight than in Portuguese? How does it appear in expressions or in the media? We will answer these questions and more, always based on reliable sources and real examples.

Meaning and use of 泣く in everyday Japanese

泣く is a verb that describes the act of crying, whether due to sadness, intense joy, or even as a physical reaction, such as when cutting onions. Unlike Portuguese, where "chorar" can be used metaphorically (e.g., "the team cried over the defeat"), in Japanese its use tends to be more literal. This does not mean that the word is restricted — it appears in expressions like 泣きながら笑う (nakinagara warau, "laughing while crying"), common in emotionally ambiguous situations.

In everyday conversations, 泣く is common, especially in informal contexts. A mother might say to her child: どうして泣いているの？ (doushite naite iru no?, "why are you crying?"). In more formal s, such as speeches or academic texts, the verb is less used, unless the topic demands it. This variation in formality is important for students who want to sound natural when speaking.

The origin of the kanji 泣 and its structure

The kanji 泣 is composed of two elements: the radical 氷 (which indicates a relation to water) and the component 立 (which originally refers to "standing"). The combination suggests the idea of "tears flowing," a poetic image for the act of crying. This etymology is confirmed by dictionaries like the 漢字源 (Kanjigen), one of the main references for kanji studies in Japan.

It is worth noting that 泣く is one of the first verbs that students learn, precisely because it is simple and useful. A memorization tip is to associate the radical 氵with liquids (such as tears) — a mnemonic that applies to other kanji, like 汗 (ase, "sweat") and 涙 (namida, "tear"). This visual connection makes learning easier, especially for beginners.

Crying na cultura japonesa e mídia

In Japan, crying is not always seen as a sign of weakness. There is even the term 泣き映画 (naki eiga, "crying movies"), a genre that explores emotional stories to provoke tears — often as a form of catharsis. This cultural acceptance means that 泣く often appears in dramas, animes, and songs, such as in the famous phrase 泣かないで (nakanaide, "don't cry"), used to comfort someone.

Another interesting example is the use of the word in proverbs. One of them, 泣く子と地頭には勝てぬ (nakuko to jitou ni wa katenu), literally means "one cannot win against a crying child and a feudal lord", indicating situations where resistance is futile. These contexts illustrate how the word is rooted not only in the language but also in the way the Japanese perceive emotions.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 泣く

• 泣く - dictionary form
• 泣いた - past form
• 泣きます - Polished form
• 泣こう conditional form
• 泣かない - negative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 泣き (Naki) - Crying; the effect of the act of crying.
• 号泣する (Gōkyū suru) - Crying out loud; crying uncontrollably.
• 涙を流す (Namida o nagasu) - Let the tears flow; the act of crying.
• 泣きじゃくる (Nakijakuru) - Cry hysterically or desperately; cry without stopping.