Translation and Meaning of: 着く - tsuku

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 着く[つく]. It is a common verb in the daily life of Japanese people and appears in various situations, from informal conversations to more formal contexts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical use, and some particularities that help to better understand how it functions in the Japanese language.

In addition to uncovering the basic meaning of 着く, let's see how it fits into everyday sentences and what are the most common mistakes students make when using it. If you want to learn Japanese efficiently, understanding verbs like this one is essential. Stay with us until the end to discover valuable tips!

The meaning and use of 着く [つく]

The verb 着く means "to arrive" or "to reach a destination." It is often used to indicate that someone or something has reached a specific place, such as in "駅に着く" (to arrive at the station). Unlike other similar verbs, 着く carries a nuance of completion — the idea that the journey has been finalized.

It is worth noting that 着く is a verb of group 1 (godan), which means that its conjugation follows a specific pattern. For example, in the past form, it becomes 着いた (tsuita). This detail is important for those who are building sentences in the past or in other verb tenses.

Differences between 着く and similar verbs

Many students confuse 着く with 到着する (tōchaku suru), which also means "to arrive." The difference lies in the : while 到着する is more formal and used in written contexts or solemn situations, 着く is casual and often appears in informal conversations.

Another verb that can cause confusion is 届く (todoku), which refers to something being delivered or reaching a destination, but not a person. For example, 届く is used for packages or messages, while 着く is more common for people or means of transportation. Knowing these nuances helps avoid basic mistakes in communication.

Tips for memorizing 着く

An effective way to reinforce the verb 着く is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of scenes like leaving work and arriving home (家に着く) or getting off the train at a busy station. This kind of visualization helps to memorize not only the meaning but also the context in which the word is used.

Another tip is to practice with flashcards or apps like Anki, inserting short phrases such as "空港に着いた" (I arrived at the airport). Repeating these examples out loud also strengthens memorization, especially if you are just starting to learn Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 着く

• 着く - Verb of the first conjugation in Japanese.
• 着いた - Past tense of the verb in the first conjugation in Japanese
• 着かない - Negative form of the first conjugation verb in Japanese
• 着ける - Verb of the second conjugation in Japanese

Synonyms and similar words

• 到着する (tōchaku suru) - reach a destination.
• 辿り着く (tadoritsuku) - Arriving at a place after an effort, often after a complicated journey.
• 着陸する (chakuriku suru) - Land (used for aircraft).
• 着席する (chakuseki suru) - Take a seat.
• 着目する (chakumoku suru) - Pay attention to something specific.
• 着手する (chakushu suru) - Start working on something (emphasizes the beginning of a task).
• 着工する (chakko suru) - Start building a project.
• 着替える (kigaeru) - Change clothes.
• 着飾る (kazarU) - Dressing in an elaborate or decorative manner.
• 着火する (shakkasuru) - Light the fire.
• 着地する (chakuchi suru) - To land (generally used to describe the act of reaching the ground).
• 着用する (chakuyō suru) - To wear, to dress.