Translation and Meaning of: 付く - tsuku

The Japanese word 付く[つく] is a versatile verb frequently used in daily life, with meanings that vary according to context. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding how and when to use it can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

Furthermore, we will see how this word is perceived by native speakers and in which situations it appears most frequently. Whether to describe something that sticks, a feeling that arises, or even a relationship that is established, 付く has varied uses that reflect interesting nuances of Japanese culture.

Meaning and common uses of 付く

The verb 付く can be translated in different ways, depending on the context. Its basic meaning is related to something that "sticks," "clings," or "attaches" to another thing. For example, when we say 汚れが付く (yogore ga tsuku), it means a stain has "adhered" to a surface. This idea of physical connection is the basis for many of its uses.

However, 付く can also express more abstract concepts. If someone says 気が付く (ki ga tsuku), it means that they "realized" or "became aware" of something. Another common usage is in expressions like 味が付く (aji ga tsuku), which indicates that a food "has gained flavor." This flexibility causes the word to appear in both everyday and formal situations.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 付く (付) combines the radical 人 (person) with the component 寸 (measure, action). This composition suggests a relationship between people or things that connect in some way. The kanji itself carries the idea of "attach" or "associate," which helps to understand why the verb has such broad meanings.

It is worth noting that 付く can also be written simply in hiragana (つく), especially in informal contexts or when the focus is on pronunciation. However, the kanji is widely used in written texts and provides a visual clue about the meaning of the word. For students, recognizing this character can facilitate memorization.

Tips for memorizing and using 付く

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 付く is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of things that "stick" or "connect," like tags on clothes or ideas that come to mind. Creating sentences like メモが付いている (memo ga tsuite iru) – "there is a note attached" – helps to internalize the verb naturally.

Another strategy is to observe how 付く appears in fixed expressions. For example, 付き合う (tsukiau) means "to date" or "to relate," reinforcing the notion of connection. By learning these combinations, it becomes easier to expand vocabulary and use the word correctly in different contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 付く

• 付く - intransitive verb
• 付ける - transitive verb
• 付ける - potential form
• 付けた - past form
• 付けそう conditional form
• 付けます - polite form

Synonyms and similar words

• 着く (tsuku) - Chegar, atingir
• 到着する (touchaku suru) - Arrival, reaching a destination
• 入る (hairu) - , enter
• 参加する (sankasuru) - Participate,
• 付帯する (futai suru) - To be accessory, to be adjunct
• 付く (tsuku) - Add, settle down
• 付属する (fuzoku suru) - Be an attachment, be an addition
• 付加する (fuka suru) - Add, increase (with emphasis on summary or complement)
• 付ける (tsukeru) - Attach, append
• 付け加える (tsukewaeru) - Add to something existing, include
• 付与する (fuyo suru) - Check, give (something to someone)
• 付設する (fusesu suru) - Install, establish (as an attachment)
• 付け足す (tsuketasu) - Add more, include an extra
• 付き合う (tsukiau) - To associate, to have a relationship
• 付き従う (tsukishitagau) - Follow, accompany (usually someone)
• 付き添う (tsukisou) - Accompany, be by someone's side (usually in )