Translation and Meaning of: 他動詞 - tadoushi

If you are learning Japanese, you may have come across the word 他動詞 (たどうし). It is essential for understanding the grammatical structure of the language, especially when it comes to types of verbs. In this article, we will explore the meaning, usage, and some curiosities about this word, as well as how it differs from other concepts in the Japanese language. If you want to master Japanese grammar, understanding 他動詞 is a fundamental step.

What does 他動詞 (たどうし) mean?

他動詞, or "tadoushi" in romaji, is a term that refers to transitive verbs in Japanese. These verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning, meaning the action falls on something or someone. For example, the verb 食べる (たべる - to eat) is a 他動詞 because you need to specify what is being eaten, as in りんごを食べる (apple + object + eat).

In contrast, intransitive verbs (自動詞 - じどうし) do not require a direct object. The difference between these two types of verbs is crucial for forming correct sentences in Japanese. While a transitive verb (他動詞) requires a particle like を (wo) to mark the object, an intransitive verb often appears alone or with particles like が (ga) or に (ni).

How to identify and use 他動詞 in daily life

A simple way to recognize a 他動詞 (tadoushi) is to observe if the action directly affects another element in the sentence. Verbs like 書く (かく - to write), 買う (かう - to buy), and 開ける (あける - to open) are classic examples. They almost always appear accompanied by an object, even if it is implied in the context.

It is worth noting that some verbs in Japanese have transitive and intransitive pairs, such as 開ける (akeru - to open - transitive) and 開く (aku - to open oneself - intransitive). Knowing how to differentiate them prevents common mistakes among students. One tip is to pay attention to the particles: if there is を, it is likely that the verb is a 他動詞 (tadōshi - transitive verb).

Curiosities and tips for memorizing 他動詞 (transitive verbs)

An interesting feature of Japanese is that many 他動詞 have a clear relationship with their intransitive counterparts. For example, 消す (けす - to erase, transitive) and 消える (きえる - to disappear, intransitive). Observing these pairs can make memorization and correct usage easier.

Additionally, in study materials such as textbooks and apps, 他動詞 are usually presented along with examples of sentences. Practicing with exercises that require identifying the direct object helps to solidify the concept. If you use flashcards, including the particle を in the example sentences can be an effective strategy.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 他動詞 (Tadou-shi) - Transitive verb; indicates that the action of the verb is performed on an object.
• タドウシ (Tadou-shi) - Transitive verb; it is a romanized form of the term, used in the same context.