Translation and Meaning of: 刷る - suru

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 刷る (suru). Although it is not an extremely common term, it appears in specific contexts and may raise questions about its meaning and usage. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is written in kanji, its pronunciation, and in which situations it is used in everyday Japanese.

In addition, we will understand how 刷る differs from other verbs with seemingly similar meanings, such as 印刷する (insatsu suru – to print) or 塗る (nuru – to paint). Learning these nuances is essential for those who wish to master the language naturally and avoid confusion. Let's start with the basics: what exactly does 刷る mean?

Meaning and use of 刷る

刷る (suru) is a Japanese verb that means "to print" or "to engrave," especially when referring to reproducing images, texts, or patterns on a surface. Unlike 印刷する, which is more generic and used for mass printing (such as books or newspapers), 刷る is usually applied in more artisanal or specific contexts, such as woodblock printing (木版画, mokuhanga) or stamping techniques.

A practical example is when an artist uses wooden blocks to create traditional prints. In this case, he can say 版木で絵を刷る (hangi de e o suru – "print an image with wooden blocks"). The verb also appears in expressions like 刷り上がる (suriagaru), which describes something that has been printed successfully. It is evident, therefore, that its use is more related to manual or artistic processes than to industrial printing.

Origin and writing of the kanji 刷

The kanji 刷 is composed of the radical 刂 (りっとう – related to "cut" or "blade") and the component 尸 (かばね – referring to "body" or "form"). This combination suggests the idea of "marking" or "leaving an impression," which makes sense considering the meaning of the verb. Interestingly, the same kanji can be pronounced as "satsu" in words like 印刷 (insatsu – printing) or 刷毛 (hake – paintbrush), demonstrating its versatility.

Although 刷る is not one of the most frequently used verbs in everyday Japanese, it holds cultural significance, especially in discussions about traditional art. Techniques like ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints) directly rely on this process of "manual printing," keeping the word alive even in modern contexts. Its kanji also appears in technical , such as 刷り込み (surikomi – "printing" in the sense of pattern fixation).

Tips for memorizing and using 刷る correctly

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 刷る is to associate it with manual or artistic activities. Imagine a stamp being pressed onto paper or an artist working on a print. This mental image helps differentiate it from other verbs like 書く (kaku – to write) or 描く (kaku – to draw), which do not involve the same reproduction process.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, like このデザインを布に刷りたい (kono dezain o nuno ni suritai – "I want to print this design on the fabric"). Repeating this type of construction in real contexts reinforces learning. And if you're interested in Japanese art, researching techniques such as 浮世絵 (ukiyo-e) can be an engaging way to see the verb in action, as many historical descriptions use 刷る to explain the process of creating prints.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 刷る

• 刷る - Dictionary, infinitive form
• 刷る - Affirmative present form
• 刷れ - Affirmative imperative form
• 刷った - Affirmative past form
• 刷らない - negative form
• 刷りたい - Affirmative conditional form

Synonyms and similar words

• 印刷する (Insatsu suru) - print out
• 印字する (Inji suru) - Print (specifically references such as texts or data in a document)
• 印 (In) - Printing (can refer to printed paper or printed markings)