Translation and Meaning of: 振る - furu

Etymology and Definition of the Word 「振る」(furu)

The term 「振る」(furu) in Japanese is a verb that means "to shake", "to swing", or "to sway". The word in its kanji form, 「振る」, is made up of two main components: 「扌」, which represents the hand due to its radical derived from 「手」(te), and 「辰」, which symbolizes a dragon, but here it is used phonetically. Together, they form the idea of something being moved by a hand.

In the context of its daily use, 「振る」 can be applied to various scenarios, such as shaking an object, waving a hand in farewell, or even to indicate the rejection of something, like hanging up a phone call. This versatility makes the verb an essential part of everyday Japanese vocabulary.

Usage and Applications of the Word 「振る」(furu)

The use of the term 「振る」 extends to various everyday situations. Here are some common ways to apply it:

• Shake a liquid in a container.
• Shake your head to communicate a "no".
• Waving a flag during sporting events.
• Gently decline an invitation or offer.

Each use has nuances and particularities that often depend on the context and the gesture associated with it. This ability to show both physical actions and metaphorical situations makes 「振る」 a rich choice in the Japanese language.

Historical and Cultural Origin

Historically, the practice of using gestures to complement verbal communication is an intrinsic feature of East Asian cultures. In Japan, the act of "shaking" or "waving" something has, in some cases, a specific cultural meaning, as in certain traditional dances where fans or objects are waved to create a visual narrative.

The evolution of 「振る」 over the years has been influenced by the human need to express actions and emotions through movements. Thus, this word not only conveys physical actions, but also, in some circumstances, feelings and social contexts that can be shared without words.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 振る

• 振る - base form
• 振ります - affirmative tense
• 振らない - negative gift
• 振りました - affirmative past
• 振りませんでした - Negative past

Synonyms and similar words

• 揺らす (yurasu) - sway, move from side to side
• 振り動かす (furidokasu) - move shaking, shake
• 揺する (yusuru) - sway, gently shake
• 揺らぐ (yuragu) - sway, quiver
• 揺れる (yureru) - shake, oscillate
• 振るう (furuu) - to shake, to wave vigorously
• 振り回す (furimawasu) - shake or spin uncontrollably
• 振り返る (furikaeru) - turn around, look back
• 振り向く (furimuku) - turn the head to look at something or someone
• 振り替える (furikaeru) - transfer, change the direction or position
• 振り分ける (furiwakeru) - divide or distribute, often balancing or separating
• 振り込む (furikomu) - deposit, transfer money, but it can also refer to the act of shaking something inside.
• 振り付ける (furitsukeru) - choreograph, create dance movements
• 振り出す (furidasu) - start movement, make something begin to move
• 振り上げる (furiageru) - to lift, raise something upward with a swinging motion
• 振り下ろす (furi orosu) - lower, descent with a swaying motion
• 振りかける (furikakeru) - sprinkle, spread something over, often while moving
• 振りかざす (furikazasu) - lift something above the head with a swinging motion
• 振りかえす (furikaesu) - reverse the movement to look back or change direction