Translation and Meaning of: 折る - oru

Learning everyday Japanese words is essential for those who want to master the language, and 折る[おる] is a verb that frequently appears in conversations and texts. If you've ever wondered about its meaning, how to use it, or even its origin, this article will clarify everything in a straightforward and practical manner. We will explore everything from the basic translation to curiosities about its use in Japan, including tips for memorization and real-life examples.

In addition to being a useful term in daily life, 折る has interesting particulars that help to better understand Japanese culture. Whether for those just starting out or for those who have been studying for a while, knowing details about this word can enrich your vocabulary and avoid common mistakes. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and relevant information for your learning.

Meaning and translation of 折る

The verb 折る[おる] means "to fold," "to break," or "to make a bend," depending on the context. It is used for both physical actions, such as folding paper or breaking a branch, as well as in more abstract situations, like yielding in a discussion. This versatility makes it a common word in various contexts, from household tasks to idiomatic expressions.

A simple translation would be "to fold," but it's important to note that 折る carries the idea of a deliberate action, like when someone folds a sheet in half or breaks something by applying force. Unlike other verbs that indicate flexibility or natural curvature, 折る suggests an intentional movement, often with a definitive result.

Everyday use and practical examples

In daily life, Japanese people use 折る in very practical situations. For example, when talking about origami, the traditional art of folding paper, it's common to hear phrases like "紙を折る" (kami o oru), which means "to fold paper." Another frequent use is in expressions like "枝を折る" (eda o oru), which means "to break a branch," whether literally or metaphorically.

Furthermore, 折る appears in less literal contexts. In negotiations or discussions, saying "折れる" (oreru), which is the intransitive form of the verb, can mean "to yield" or "to back down." This usage shows how the Japanese language often borrows physical concepts to describe social or emotional situations, something that can be fascinating for language learners.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to the meaning of 折る is to associate it with concrete actions, like folding a piece of paper or breaking a pencil. Visualizing the action helps to fix the term in memory. Another tip is to practice with simple everyday sentences, like "この紙を折らないで" (kono kami o oranai de), which means "don't fold this paper."

Interestingly, the kanji 折る (折) is composed of the radical for "hand" (扌) combined with "to break" (斤), which reinforces its original meaning of manipulating something until it breaks or bends. This composition not only makes memorization easier but also provides an interesting insight into how Japanese ideograms build their meanings from visual elements.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 折る

• 折り - dictionary form
• 折らない - negative
• 折りました - past
• 折ろう - potential
• 折れ - imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 折り曲げる (orikumageru) - To fold something in a way that changes its original shape.
• 折り畳む (oritatamu) - To fold and stack something, like clothes, into a compact form.
• 折り込む (orikomu) - Incorporate or insert something into a fold or part of another thing.
• 折り重ねる (orikasaneru) - Stacking or overlapping several layers when folding.
• 折り返す (orikaesu) - Turn something to the other side after folding.
• 折り合わせる (oriawaseru) - two or more parts when folding.