Translation and Meaning of: 潰す - tsubusu

The Japanese word 潰す (つぶす) is a verb that carries quite concrete meanings in everyday life in Japan, but it can also appear in more abstract contexts. If you are studying Japanese or are simply curious about this expression, understanding its correct usage and cultural nuances can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore the meaning of 潰す, its origin, practical examples, and even how to memorize it effectively.

Besides being a common word in Japanese vocabulary, 潰す has applications ranging from physical situations, such as crushing something, to metaphorical situations, like wasting time. Whether for those who want to improve their Japanese or simply discover more about the language, this guide will provide valuable information about this versatile expression.

Meaning and use of 潰す

The verb 潰す (つぶす) primarily means "to crush," "to squeeze until destroyed," or "to crumple." It is often used to describe physical actions, such as crushing a can with your hands or crumpling a piece of paper. However, its usage is not limited to the literal sense. Japanese people also use 潰す in more abstract situations, such as "to waste time" (時間を潰す) or "to ruin plans" (計画を潰す).

An interesting detail is that 潰す can be used for both concrete objects and intangible concepts. For example, saying that someone "smashed your hopes" (希望を潰す) is an emotional application of the term. This flexibility makes the word quite versatile and appears in different everyday contexts.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 潰 is composed of the radical 氵 (water) and the component 貴 (valuable). Despite its structure suggesting a relation to liquids, its current use is not directly linked to that. One theory is that the kanji originally represented something being "dissolved" or "worn down," evolving later to the meaning of "crush." Sources like Kanjipedia and 漢字源 confirm that this character has ancient roots in Chinese writing, being adapted for Japanese over time.

It is worth noting that 潰す is not one of the most common kanji in modern Japanese, but it appears with some regularity in everyday contexts and even in news. Its use in expressions like 潰れる (つぶれる - to be crushed, to fail) also demonstrates its relevance in the language, especially in discussions about business or failure situations.

Tips for memorizing 潰す

An effective way to the meaning of 潰す is to associate it with physical actions of destruction. Imagine someone crushing an empty soda can – this image helps to fix the main sense of the verb. Another tip is to create simple sentences, such as "彼は紙を潰した" (He crushed the paper), to practice its correct usage in real contexts.

Additionally, observing the kanji 潰 can help with memorization. The radical 氵 (water) appears in several words related to liquids, but here it combines with 貴 to form a different meaning. This breaking of expectation can be a mental trigger to that 潰す is about crushing or ruining, even though its writing does not immediately suggest this.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• つぶす (tsubusu) - Destroy or crush something
• 壊す (kowasu) - Break or damage something
• 破壊する (hakai suru) - Destroy on a fundamental level, annihilate
• 打ち砕く (uchikudaku) - Crush or break apart
• 粉砕する (funsai suru) - Reduce to powder or break into small pieces.
• 圧倒する (attou suru) - To overpower or dominate with great force
• 制圧する (seiatsu suru) - Subjugate or completely control
• 打ち負かす (uchimakasu) - Win or defeat in combat
• 討ち破る (uchihaburu) - Defeat in a battle or fight
• 討伐する (toubatsu suru) - Subjugate or eliminate an enemy
• 滅ぼす (horobosu) - Completely destroy or ruin
• 殲滅する (senmetsu suru) - Completely eliminate, exterminate
• 絶滅させる (zetsumetsu saseru) - Make something go extinct
• 消滅させる (shoumetsu saseru) - Cause the disappearance of something
• 消し去る (keshi saru) - Delete or completely remove
• 抹殺する (massatsu suru) - Eliminate or destroy violently
• 討ち取る (uchitoru) - Deliver a deadly blow, defeat
• 殺す (korosu) - Kill, take someone's life
• 殺害する (satsugai suru) - commit homicide, kill illegally
• 殺戮する (satsuriku suru) - Massacre, kill on a large scale
• 虐殺する (gyakusatsu suru) - Brutally exterminating, genocide
• 滅殺する (messatsu suru) - Completely destroy, exterminate
• 滅ぼし尽くす (horoboshitsukusu) - Destroy to the end, completely annihilate
• 滅ぼし去る (horoboshisaru) - Destroy and make disappear