Translation and Meaning of: 役 - eki
The Japanese word 役[えき] (eki) is a versatile term frequently used in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the meaning and use of this word, this article will explore its basic translation as well as relevant cultural contexts. Here at Suki Nihongo, we always strive to provide clear and practical explanations for those who want to master the language.
Meaning and translation of 役[えき]
In its simplest form, 役[えき] can be translated as "function," "role," or "service." Depending on the context, it can also mean "benefit" or "utility." This word is often used in everyday situations, such as in jobs, tasks, or even in discussions about the importance of something.
A common example is the expression 役に立つ (やくにたつ - yaku ni tatsu), which means "to be useful" or "to serve a purpose." This phrase is widely used in Japan, both in professional and informal settings, demonstrating how the term is deeply rooted in daily communication.
Origin and writing of the kanji 役
The kanji 役 is composed of the radical 彳 (which indicates movement or path) and the component 殳 (related to actions or blows). This combination suggests the idea of a function that involves movement or activity, reinforcing the meaning of "role" or "task." The pronunciation えき (eki) is one of the kun'yomi readings, commonly used in native Japanese words.
It is worth noting that 役 can also be read as "yaku" in other contexts, such as in 役者 (yakusha - actor) or 役所 (yakusho - public office). This variation in reading is common in Japanese and requires students' attention to avoid confusing the uses.
How to memorize and use 役[えき] in daily life
A practical tip to the meaning of 役 is to associate it with situations where something or someone has a specific role. For example, think of an actor (役者) who plays an important part in a play. This image can help reinforce the concept of "function" or "service".
Additionally, try using the word in simple sentences, such as この本は役に立つ (kono hon wa yaku ni tatsu - "This book is useful"). The more you practice in real contexts, the more natural your learning will be. Japanese is a language that values practical application, so don't be afraid to test your knowledge.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 役割 (yakuwari) - Role; function
- 任務 (ninmu) - Mission; task
- 使命 (shimei) - Mission; duty (more oriented towards moral or ethical meaning)
- 職務 (shokumu) - Duty; professional responsibility
- 仕事 (shigoto) - Work; occupation
- 任せ (makase) - Delegation; trusting someone to do something
- 任せる (makaseru) - Delegate; to trust someone
Related words
Romaji: eki
Kana: えき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: war; campaign; battle
Meaning in English: war;campaign;battle
Definition: Yaku means to fulfill a certain position or duty.
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How to Write in Japanese - (役) eki
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (役) eki:
Example Sentences - (役) eki
See below some example sentences:
Suiji wa kaji no naka demo juuyou na yakuwari wo ninatte imasu
Cooking is an important role among household chores.
Cooking plays an important role in housework.
- 炊事 - Food preparation, kitchen
- 家事 - Housework
- 中でも - Among them, especially
- 重要な - Important
- 役割を担っています - Plays a role
Kanryou wa seifu no naka de juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu
Bureaucrats play an important role in government.
Bureaucrats play an important role in government.
- 官僚 - bureaucrats
- は - Topic particle
- 政府 - government
- の - Possession particle
- 中で - In the middle of
- 重要な - important
- 役割を - Paper, function
- 果たしています - perform
Bijinesu wa sekaijuu de juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu
Business plays an important role all over the world.
Business plays an important role all over the world.
- ビジネス - katakana word meaning "business"
- は - Topic particle
- 世界中 - an expression that means "all over the world"
- で - Particle that indicates the place where something happens
- 重要な - Adjective meaning "important"
- 役割 - noun meaning "role" or "function"
- を - direct object particle
- 果たしています - verb meaning "to perform" or "to fulfill", conjugated in the present affirmative
Yōgo wa taisetsu na yakuwari desu
Care and protection are important roles.
Nursing is an important role.
- 養護 (yougo) - care, protection
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
- な (na) - adjectival particle
- 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
- です (desu) - polite way of being
Bouei wa kuni no juuyou na yakuwari desu
Defense is an important role of the country.
Defense is an important role in the country.
- 防衛 - defense
- は - Topic particle
- 国 - country
- の - Possession particle
- 重要な - important
- 役割 - Paper, function
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Jūyaku wa kaigi ni shusseki shite iru
The executive is present at the meeting.
The executive is attending the meeting.
- 重役 - means "executive" or "top executive" in Japanese.
- は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "重役".
- 会議 - means "meeting" in Japanese.
- に - destination particle in Japanese, indicating that the "meeting" is the destination of the "重役".
- 出席している - Japanese compound verb, meaning "to be present" or "to participate".
Un'yu gyō wa kuni no keizai ni totte jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu
The transport industry plays an important role in the national economy.
The transport industry plays an important role in the national economy.
- 運輸業 - Transportation industry
- は - Topic particle
- 国 - country
- の - Possession particle
- 経済 - economy
- にとって - for
- 重要な - important
- 役割 - paper
- を果たしています - performs
Ketsueki wa karada no naka de juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu
Blood plays an important role in the body.
Blood plays an important role in the body.
- 血液 (ketsueki) - blood
- 身体 (shintai) - body
- 重要 (juuyou) - important
- 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
- 果たす (hatasu) - perform/fulfill
- しています (shiteimasu) - Is doing
Kekkan wa tainai no ketsueki o hakobu juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu
The blood vessels play an important role in transporting blood throughout the body.
Blood vessels play an important role in transporting blood in the body.
- 血管 (ketsukan) - blood vessel
- 体内 (tainai) - inside the body
- 血液 (ketsueki) - blood
- 運ぶ (hakobu) - transport
- 重要な (juuyou na) - important
- 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
- 果たしています (hatashite imasu) - performing
Gyōsei wa kokka no jūyōna yakuwari desu
istration is an important role of the state.
The government plays an important role in the nation.
- 行政 (gyousei) - istration
- 国家 (kokka) - state
- 重要な (juuyou na) - important
- 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
- です (desu) - verb to be"
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun