Translation and Meaning of: 肩 - kata

Have you ever wondered what the Japanese word 肩[かた] means? Whether to learn Japanese or out of pure curiosity, understanding like this can open doors to the culture and daily life of Japan. In this article, we will explore the meaning, writing, and practical use of this word, as well as tips to memorize it easily. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to make learning Japanese accessible and interesting, so let’s get straight to the point!

The meaning and writing of 肩[かた]

The word 肩[かた] means "shoulder". It is composed of the kanji 肩, which represents exactly that part of the body, and the reading in hiragana かた (kata). This term is essential for describing everything from physical pains to idiomatic expressions in Japanese.

The kanji 肩 is formed by radicals that refer to the body structure, like 月 (tsuki), which often appears in characters related to body parts. This visual association can aid in memorization, especially for those who are just starting to study kanji. Additionally, 肩 is a common term in daily life, appearing in medical conversations, physical education classes, and even in metaphors.

Everyday usage and expressions with 肩

In Japanese, 肩 is not limited to its literal meaning. It appears in expressions like 肩がこる (kata ga koru), which means "to have tense shoulders" — something common in a culture with long working hours. Another example is 肩を並べる (kata o naraberu), used to indicate that someone is "on the same level" as another person.

In informal contexts, you may also hear phrases like 肩が軽くなった (kata ga karuku natta), which translates to the feeling of relief after solving a problem. These uses show how body language is deeply tied to communication in Japan, making 肩 a versatile word full of nuances.

Tips to memorize 肩 [かた]

An effective way to solidify 肩 is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, think about how the shoulders carry weight — both physical and emotional. This mental image helps to create a strong connection with the meaning. Another strategy is to practice writing the kanji, observing its strokes and radicals.

For those who use apps like Anki, creating flashcards with practical sentences (e.g., 肩が痛い — "My shoulder hurts") can reinforce learning. Spaced repetition is especially useful for like 肩, which frequently appear in dialogues and texts. With these techniques, in no time the word will be naturally in your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 肩 (kata) - Shoulder
• かた (kata) - Shoulder
• かたな (katana) - Japanese sword
• かたたち (katatachi) - Shoulder shapes, or types of shoulders (it can refer to different types of people with diverse shoulders)
• かたひざ (katahiza) - Knee next to the shoulder (can refer to the shoulder t in relation to the knee)
• かたひじ (katahiji) - Elbow next to the shoulder (refers to the shoulder t in relation to the elbow)
• かたひじの肩 (katahiji no kata) - Shoulder of the elbow (can refer to the shoulder as seen in relation to the elbow)
• かたひじのこう (katahiji no kou) - Part of the shoulder to the elbow (refers to the area of the shoulder in relation to the elbow)
• かたひじのこうがた (katahiji no kougata) - Shape of the elbow shoulder (it can refer to how this shoulder appears)