Translation and Meaning of: 被る - kaburu

The Japanese word 被る (かぶる, kaburu) is a common verb in everyday life, but it can cause confusion for students of Japanese. Its main meaning is related to the action of covering something, especially the head, such as when wearing hats, hoods, or even masks. In this article, we will explore the meaning, practical uses, and some curiosities about this word, as well as understand how it appears in different contexts.

Meaning and usage of 被る (かぶる)

The verb 被る is often associated with the act of putting something on the head, like a cap, a scarf, or a helmet. However, its use is not limited to just that. In certain contexts, it can mean "to take the blame" or "to be affected by something," as in situations where someone "carries" a problem that is not entirely their responsibility.

A simple everyday example would be "帽子を被る" (ぼうしをかぶる, boushi wo kaburu), which means "to wear a hat". Another interesting application appears in expressions like "罪を被る" (つみをかぶる, tsumi wo kaburu), which can be translated as "to take the blame". This flexibility makes the word useful in different situations.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 被 is composed of the radical 衣 (い, clothing) at the bottom, which already suggests a relation to covering or dressing. At the top, we have the component 皮 (かわ, skin), which historically can refer to the idea of protection or covering. This combination reinforces the sense of covering something, whether physically or metaphorically.

It is worth noting that 被る can also be written in hiragana (かぶる) when the context is informal or when one wants to avoid ambiguities. However, in formal or educational texts, the kanji is preferred for greater clarity.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to the meaning of 被る is to associate it with concrete situations, like imagining someone putting a hat on their head. Another tip is to create simple sentences, such as "雨の日は傘を被る" (あめのひはかさをかぶる, ame no hi wa kasa wo kaburu), which means "on rainy days, I use an umbrella."

Interestingly, this word appears in some animes and dramas, especially in scenes where characters use disguises or take on responsibilities. If you pay attention, you may notice its use in everyday dialogues or even in song lyrics. Suki Nihongo, one of the best online Japanese dictionaries, also highlights this word as one of the most versatile for learners.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• かぶる (kaburu) - wear something on the head, like a hat
• 被せる (kawasere) - cover something, put something over another thing
• 被う (ou) - cover, protect
• 被覆する (hifuku suru) - to cover, to coat with something
• 被せかえる (kawase kaeru) - to cover again, change the coverage
• 被せものをする (kawasemonosuru) - make a item cover
• 被服する (hifuku suru) - wear clothes, get dressed