Translation and Meaning of: 演じる - enjiru

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 演じる (えんじる). It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to artistic productions, and understanding its meaning can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and some tips for memorizing it. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides details that go beyond simple translation.

Meaning and use of 演じる

演じる is a Japanese verb that means "to act," "to represent," or "to play a role." It is often used in the context of theater, cinema, and even in everyday situations where someone takes on a specific behavior. For example, an actor who portrays a villain in a drama is 演じる a role.

In addition to artistic use, this word can also appear in more metaphorical contexts. If someone says they are "演じる the role of a father," for example, they are highlighting the responsibilities and behaviors associated with fatherhood. This versatility makes 演じる a useful word in both formal and informal conversations.

Origin and writing of kanji

The verb 演じる is composed of the kanji 演, which means "perform" or "execute," followed by the suffix じる, which indicates action. The kanji 演 is formed from the radicals 氵 (water) and 寅 (tiger), but its origin is not directly linked to these elements. According to the Kangorin dictionary, this character was adapted from ancient Chinese with the meaning of "practicing" or "representing."

It is worth noting that 演じる is a less common form than 演ずる (えんずる), its equivalent in more formal language. Despite this, both variations are correct and can be found in different contexts. If you are learning Japanese, it is useful to know both forms so you do not get confused when encountering more classical texts or solemn speeches.

Tips for memorizing and using 演じる

An effective way to memorize 演じる is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of scenes from movies, plays, or even moments when you needed to "act" in a social situation. Creating flashcards with phrases like "彼は主役を演じた" (He played the lead role) can help embed the verb in context.

Another tip is to observe the kanji 演 in other related words, such as 演技 (えんぎ, acting) or 演奏 (えんそう, musical performance). This connection between vocabularies facilitates learning and expands your knowledge organically. If you enjoy animes or dramas, pay attention when the word appears – this reinforces memorization naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 演じる

• 演じる - basic form
• 演じた - Past
• 演じている - Present Continuous
• 演じます - Future
• 演じない - Negative
• 演じろ - imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 演ずる (Enzuru) - Perform an action
• 演じる (Enjiru) - Interpret a role
• 演技する (Engi suru) - Perform an acting performance
• 演じ上げる (Enjiageru) - Successfully concluding an acting performance
• 演じこなす (Enjikonas) - Mastering performance with skill
• 演技をする (Engi o suru) - Perform a performance of acting
• 演技をこなす (Engi o konasu) - Perform a competent acting performance
• 演じ切る (Enjikiru) - Completely fulfill a performance
• 演技を演じる (Engi o enjiru) - Interpret a specific theatrical performance.