Translation and Meaning of: 仕掛け - shikake

The Japanese word 仕掛け [しかけ] is a versatile term that appears in various contexts, from everyday situations to more complex narratives. If you have ever wondered about its meaning, origin, or how to use it correctly, this article will clarify those doubts. Here, we will explore everything from the kanji writing to practical usage examples, as well as cultural curiosities that make this word so interesting for Japanese learners. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides this information clearly and reliably for you.

Meaning and usage of 仕掛け

仕掛け can be translated as "mechanism," "device," or even "trap," depending on the context. In everyday situations, it is often used to describe something that has been prepared or set up for a specific purpose. For example, in a theater play, the 仕掛け are the special effects or tricks used to surprise the audience.

In addition, the word also appears in expressions such as 仕掛け人 [しかけにん], which refers to someone who plans or orchestrates something, often with strategic connotations. This semantic flexibility makes 仕掛け a useful word, but it requires attention to context to avoid misunderstandings.

Origin and writing in kanji

The composition of 仕掛け in kanji helps to understand its meaning more deeply. The first character, 仕, is related to "serving" or "working", while 掛け means "to hang" or "to place". Together, they convey the idea of something that has been prepared or installed with a purpose in mind.

It is worth noting that, although the most common reading is しかけ, the kanji 掛け can also be read as かける in other contexts. This duality is common in Japanese and emphasizes the importance of studying kanjis in their different applications to master the language.

Cultural usages and curiosities

In Japan, 仕掛け is often associated with playful or ingenious elements. One example is 仕掛け絵本 (pop-up books), which use mechanisms to create visual effects. This application shows how the word is connected to creativity and surprise in Japanese culture.

Another interesting aspect is the use of 仕掛け in local festivals and traditions, where temporary structures are set up to entertain the audience. Whether in elaborate fireworks or theatrical performances, the word carries with it a notion of careful planning and execution, values that are very present in Japanese daily life.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 仕込み (Shikomi) - Preparation, initial arrangement of something.
• 計略 (Keiryaku) - Strategy, a plan devised to achieve a goal.
• 策略 (Sakuryaku) - Strategy, tactic, or planning used for a specific purpose.
• 企み (Takurami) - Conspiracy, plot or secret plan.
• 策 (Saku) - Measure, tactic or a specific plan.
• 手段 (Shudan) - Means, method, or way to achieve a goal.
• 仕組み (Shikumi) - Structure, arrangement, or mechanism of operation.
• 仕打ち (Shibuchi) - Treatment, the way someone is treated in a situation.
• 仕掛 (Shikake) - Preparation, a method or intentional arrangement for a specific purpose.
• 策士 (Sakushi) - A strategist, someone skilled in formulating plans.
• 策謀 (Sakubou) - Conspiracy, a plan devised often with secret intentions.
• 策定 (Sakutei) - Formulation, establishment of a plan or strategy.
• 策略家 (Sakuryakuka) - Specialist in strategies, someone who professes or practices planning tactics.
• 策略的 (Sakuryakuteki) - Strategic, related to the use of strategies.
• 策略戦 (Sakuryaku-sen) - Strategic war, a combat approach focused on tactics.
• 策略思考 (Sakuryaku shikou) - Strategic thinking, the way of thinking based on strategy development.
• 策略的思考 (Sakuryakuteki shikou) - Thinking that applies strategic methods.
• 策略的アプローチ (Sakuryakuteki apurochi) - Strategic approach, method focused on the application of strategies.
• 策略的アプローチ方法 (Sakuryakuteki apurochi houhou) - Strategic approach method, a systematic way to apply a strategy.
• 策略的アプローチ戦略 (Sakuryakuteki apurochi senryaku) - Strategic approach strategy, action plan focused on specific tactics.
• 策略的アプローチ戦略方法 (Sakuryakuteki apurochi senryaku houhou) - Strategic method of tactical approach.