Translation and Meaning of: 疲れる - tsukareru

If you've studied Japanese or have an interest in the language, you've probably come across the word 疲れる (つかれる). It is common in daily life and appears in conversations, songs, and even in animes. But what exactly does it mean? How do Japanese people use it in their daily lives? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word appears, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently.

Meaning and use of 疲れる

疲れる is a Japanese verb that means "to get tired" or "to exhaust oneself." It is used to describe both physical and mental fatigue. For example, after a long day of work, a Japanese person might say 疲れた (つかれた) to express that they are exhausted. The word also appears in emotional contexts, such as when someone feels drained by a stressful situation.

An interesting characteristic of 疲れる is its versatility. It can be used alone or combined with other words to form more specific expressions. In informal situations, it's common to hear variations like めっちゃ疲れた (meccha tsukareta), which emphasizes intense fatigue. In more formal contexts, the word maintains its neutral tone without losing clarity.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji for 疲れる is 疲, composed of the radicals 疒 (disease) and 皮 (skin). This combination suggests a relationship between fatigue and a nearly sickly state, something that affects the body profoundly. The etymology reinforces the idea that, in Japan, fatigue is not seen merely as a fleeting condition, but as a state that deserves attention.

It's worth noting that 疲れる is not the only word that uses this kanji. Expressions like 疲労 (ひろう, hirou) also derive from it but carry a more technical tone, often used in medical or corporate contexts. This variation shows how the Japanese language adapts related to fatigue for different situations.

Tips for memorizing 疲れる

An effective way to fixate on 疲れる is to associate it with everyday situations. If you have ever felt exhausted after studying a lot or exercising, that is the perfect moment to use the word. Repeating phrases like 仕事で疲れた (shigoto de tsukareta - "I'm tired from work") helps to internalize its meaning and usage.

Another strategy is to observe how 疲れる appears in Japanese media. In animes and dramas, characters often use this word in realistic dialogues. Paying attention to these contexts not only improves vocabulary but also teaches the correct intonation. With constant practice, the term will become natural in your repertoire.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 疲れる (tsukareru) - to feel tired, exhausted
• 疲れ病む (tsukareyamun) - getting sick due to exhaustion
• 疲労する (hirou suru) - to be fatigued, to exhaust oneself
• 疲弊する (hihei suru) - to suffer from exhaustion, to become unguarded
• 疲れ果てる (tsukarehateru) - to be completely exhausted