Translation and Meaning of: 凝らす - kogorasu

The Japanese word 凝らす (こごらす) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. If you are studying Japanese or just have curiosity about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and practical use can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will dive into the details of this expression, from its writing to its cultural context.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 凝らす, we will also see how it is perceived in everyday Japanese life. Is it a common word? In what situations does it appear? And how can we memorize it efficiently? These are some of the questions we will answer next, always based on reliable sources and accurate information.

Meaning and use of 凝らす

The verb 凝らす (こごらす) primarily means "to concentrate," "to apply with effort," or "to dedicate meticulous attention." It is often used to describe actions that involve intense focus, such as in 工夫を凝らす (くふうをこごらす), which means "to elaborate carefully" or "to pay attention to details." This expression is common in creative contexts, such as crafting, cooking, or design.

It is worth noting that 凝らす is not limited to the physical sense of concentration. It can also be used in an abstract way, as in 思いを凝らす (おもいをこごらす), where it indicates the deep application of thoughts or emotions into something. This versatility causes the word to appear in different s of the language, from informal conversations to more formal texts.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 凝, which makes up the word, is formed by the radical 冫 (ice) and the component 疑 (doubt). This combination suggests the idea of something that solidifies or becomes dense, like a liquid that freezes. It is not by chance that one of the secondary meanings of 凝らす is "to freeze" or "to become rigid," although this usage is less common in modern Japanese.

According to the etymological dictionary 漢字源, the character 凝 originally represented the action of hardening or solidifying, both in the physical and metaphorical sense. Over time, its meaning evolved to encom the notion of intense concentration, which is the main application of 凝らす today. This connection between the concrete and the abstract is an interesting feature of the semantic evolution of kanji.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to 凝らす is to associate it with situations that require attention to detail. For example, think of an artisan working on a delicate piece or a chef preparing a dish with impeccable presentation. These images help create a strong mental connection with the meaning of the word. Another strategy is to practice with sentences like デザインに凝らす (dedicate care to design).

It is important to note that 凝らす should not be confused with verbs like 集中する (しゅうちゅうする), which also means "to concentrate," but in a more generic sense. While 集中する refers to the act of focusing attention, 凝らす implies an active effort of improvement or refinement. This distinction indicates when each term is more appropriate.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 凝らす

• 凝らす - Conjugations:
• Present: 凝らす (こらす - korasu) - To concentrate; to devote; to apply (one's mind)
• Past: 凝らした (こらした - korashita) - Concentrated; devoted; applied
• Imperative: 凝らせ (こらせ - korase)
• Future: 凝らすだろう (こらすだろう - korasu darou)
• Conditional: 凝らせば (こらせば - koraseba)

Synonyms and similar words

• 練り込む (nerikomu) - Incorporate (mix well) one substance into another, usually in contexts of cooking or crafting.
• 精査する (seisa suru) - Analyze in detail, inspect carefully.
• 集中する (shūchū suru) - Concentrate, focus on a specific task or thought.
• 熟成する (jukusei suru) - Mature, to reach an ideal state through a process of aging or development.
• 深く考える (fukaku kangaeru) - Think deeply, reflect intensely on a subject.