Translation and Meaning of: 剥く - muku

The Japanese word 「剥く」 (muku) is a verb that means "to peel" or "to strip something from its surface," such as fruits, vegetables, or any object that needs to have an outer layer removed. This action is quite common in daily life, particularly in cooking, when we need to prepare ingredients like apples, potatoes, or boiled eggs. The cultural significance of preparing fresh food properly in Japan makes this word widely used and well-known.

The etymology of 「剥く」 traces back to the kanji 「剥」 which incorporates the radical 「刂」 (katana or sword), symbolizing the idea of incisions or cuts, and the radical 「彑」 (animal's head with horns), conveying a notion of separation or removal. Thus, the kanji itself suggests the action of "removing by cutting," which aligns well with the meaning of the verb. Additionally, the hiragana むく (muku) is often used in more casual or informal contexts.

Historically, the practice of peeling fruits and vegetables is present in many cultures, and in Japan, it incorporates both practical and aesthetic aspects. In Japanese cuisine, the presentation of dishes is valued and the careful removal of peels is part of this process. The word also extends to figurative uses, such as the unpeeling of emotional layers or the unveiling of hidden truths, illustrating its applicability in metaphorical contexts.

The conjugation of 「剥く」 follows the typical rules of godan group verbs, where, in situations like requests or polite language, the verb transforms, for example, into 「剥いて」 (muite) to express imperative or continuation of actions. This demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of the word in the Japanese language, highlighting its relevance in both everyday and formal situations.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 剥く

• 剥いた - simple past
• 剥かない - negative
• 剥かせる - causative
• 剥けば - conditional
• 剥け - imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 削る (kezuru) - Remove the surface; sharpen, wear down.
• はがす (hagasu) - Unstick; to remove something that was stuck, usually in a more abrupt manner.
• はぐ (hagu) - Pull; to remove forcefully or detach something from its position.
• ひねり取る (hineritoru) - Remove by twisting; to remove something by turning or twisting.
• こすり取る (kosuri toru) - Scrape or rub to remove; it implies a friction movement.