Translation and Meaning of: 剥がす - hagasu

The Japanese word 剥がす (はがす) may seem simple, but it carries interesting nuances in the language. If you are studying Japanese or are just curious about the meaning and use of this term, this article will explore everything from its translation to cultural contexts. Let's understand how and when to use 剥がす, its origin, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently.

Meaning and Translation of 剥がす

剥がす is a verb that means "to peel off," "to tear off," or "to remove something that was stuck." It is often used to describe actions like taking a sticker off a surface or removing the skin of a fruit. The closest translation in Portuguese would be "despelar" or "desgrudar," depending on the context.

An important characteristic of 剥がす is that it implies a physical effort to separate two things that were ed. Unlike other verbs like 取る (とる - "take"), 剥がす suggests that there is resistance in the removal process. For example, when saying "剥がす" to describe the action of taking off a band-aid, there is the idea that it can be somewhat painful or difficult.

Origin and Composition of Kanji

The kanji 剥 (はく) means "to peel" or "to remove a layer," while がす is the verbal form indicating action. Together, they form a verb that conveys the idea of peeling something off with some force. This kanji also appears in other words, such as 剥ぐ (はぐ), which has a similar meaning but with a softer tone.

It is worth noting that 剥がす is not an old or rare term. It is widely used in everyday Japanese, especially in domestic or manual situations. Its use is so common that it appears in product instructions, repair manuals, and even in culinary recipes when talking about peeling ingredients.

Practical Use and Cultural Contexts

In Japan, 剥がす is a word often heard in everyday situations. For example, when removing the packaging from a new product or cleaning an old sticker off a wall. It can also appear in more metaphorical contexts, such as when someone "unmasks" a lie, although this usage is less common.

An interesting fact is that, in some animes and mangas, 剥がす can be used in action scenes, such as when a character tears off a mask or armor. This type of usage reinforces the idea of strength and endurance associated with the verb, making it more expressive in visual narratives.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 剥がす

• 剥がせる - potential
• 剥がせよう - Volitional
• 剥がせ - imperative
• 剥がせない - negative

Synonyms and similar words

• はがす (hagasu) - detach, release something (for example, a tag)
• はがれる (hagareru) - to be detached, to be loose (related to the state of something that has been removed)
• はぐ (hagu) - detach, pull from a surface (generally refers to removing something that is stuck)
• はがし取る (hagashitoru) - remove with effort, carefully detach something