Translation and Meaning of: 着飾る - kikazaru

Have you ever come across the Japanese word 着飾る[きかざる] and felt curious about its meaning or usage? This expression carries interesting nuances of Japanese culture, especially related to aesthetics and personal presentation. In this article, we will explore from the translation and origin to the cultural context in which it is used, helping students and enthusiasts understand its true meaning.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 着飾る, we will see how this word appears in everyday Japanese, its frequency in conversations, and even tips for memorizing it effectively. If you are looking to understand not only the definition but also how the Japanese perceive and use this term, keep reading!

Meaning and Translation of 着飾る

着飾る[きかざる] is a Japanese verb that means "to adorn oneself," "to dress elegantly," or "to embellish oneself with clothes and accessories." Unlike simply dressing, this word implies a deliberate effort to present oneself in a more striking or sophisticated manner. The closest translation in English would be "to adorn oneself with clothing," but it carries a more specific tone than the verb "to dress."

It is worth noting that 着飾る is not limited to just wearing expensive clothes. It can include everything from meticulous preparation for a special event to dres to impress someone. The term suggests an intention behind the choice of attire, often related to social occasions or displays of status.

Origin and Composition of Kanji

The word 着飾る is composed of two kanji: 着 (ki, "to wear") and 飾る (kazaru, "to decorate"). Together, they form a verb that literally means "to dress decoratively." The first character, 着, is common in words related to clothing, such as 着物 (kimono). On the other hand, 飾る appears in like 装飾 (soushoku, "decoration"), reinforcing the idea of ornamentation.

Interestingly, the combination of these kanjis reflects a Japanese cultural aspect: the importance of personal presentation in social contexts. From the Heian period (794-1185), when the Japanese aristocracy valued elaborate clothing as a symbol of status, to the present day, where care for appearance remains relevant in various formal situations.

Cultural Use and Appropriate Contexts

In Japan, 着飾る is often associated with special occasions such as weddings, festivals, or important meetings. It is not a term used for everyday life, but rather when there is a clear intention to stand out through clothing. For example, it's common to hear phrases like "結婚式に着飾っていく" (I will dress elegantly for the wedding).

It is worth noting that although the act of 着飾る is valued in certain contexts, excess can be frowned upon depending on the situation. Japanese culture traditionally balances elegance with discretion, so using this verb excessively can convey an impression of unnecessary ostentation. It is a word that carries both iration and potential criticism, depending on the context.

Tips for Memorization and Practical Use

An effective way to memorize 着飾る is to associate it with situations where you really prepared to dress well. Think of events like graduations or important interviews - moments when you carefully chose each piece of clothing. This emotional connection helps to reinforce the meaning of the term.

To practice correct usage, try creating simple sentences like "パーティーに着飾る" (to dress up for the party). Observing how the word appears in dramas or mangas can also be helpful, as many productions depict scenes of characters getting ready for social events, using exactly this verb.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 着飾る

着飾る

• 着飾ります polite conjugation
• 着飾っています continuous conjugation
• 着飾っていました past conjugation
• 着飾れる potential
• 着飾ろう volitional

Synonyms and similar words

• 飾る (kazaru) - Decorate; to adorn, to beautify something.
• 装う (yosou) - Dressing; adorning oneself, usually refers to the way of dressing elegantly or formally.
• 着飾りをする (kikazari o suru) - Wear adorned clothes; dress ostentatiously.
• 華やかにする (hanayaka ni suru) - Make something vibrant; make something more dazzling and eye-catching.
• 着飾りを施す (kikazari o hodokosu) - Apply ornaments to a garment; to beautify or adorn with extravagant details.