Translation and Meaning of: 蹴る - keru

The Japanese word 蹴る[ける] is a verb that means "to kick" or "to give a kick." If you are studying Japanese or simply have curiosity about the language, understanding how this word is used in everyday life can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and practical usage examples. Additionally, we will see how it appears in cultural contexts and tips to memorize it easily.

The verb 蹴る is common in everyday situations, from sports to more informal expressions. Its kanji may seem complex at first glance, but its reading is simple and straightforward. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and relevant information for those who want to truly master Japanese. Let's dive into the details of this word and discover everything it has to offer.

Meaning and use of 蹴る

The verb 蹴る [ける] is mainly used to describe the action of kicking something, be it a ball, an object, or even in a figurative sense. It appears in sports contexts, such as soccer, but also in everyday situations, like kicking a stone on the path. Its use is quite straightforward and usually does not cause confusion for learners.

In addition to its literal meaning, 蹴る can appear in more colloquial expressions or even in a playful tone. For example, someone might say "ケータイをける" to indicate that they are kicking a cell phone (usually in an exaggerated or humorous way). It's important to note that, although it is a common verb, it is not as frequently used as other action verbs in Japanese.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 蹴 is composed of the radical for "foot" (足) combined with other elements that reinforce the idea of sudden movement. Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, where it already carried the meaning of "to kick" or "to repel with the foot." Despite its complex appearance, its kun'yomi reading (ける) is quite accessible for students.

It is worth noting that 蹴る also has an on'yomi reading (しゅう), but it is rarely used in modern Japanese. The most common way to encounter this word is indeed with the reading ける, whether in everyday conversations or in informal texts. Its kanji is not one of the more frequent, but it appears in some fixed expressions and even in the names of martial arts techniques.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 蹴る is to associate it with visual situations, like a player kicking a ball. The radical for "foot" (足) present in the kanji already gives an important clue about its meaning. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, like "ボールをける" (kick the ball), to reinforce the verb in real contexts.

Interestingly, 蹴る can also appear in manga and anime, especially in action or sports scenes. If you're a fan of works like "Captain Tsubasa" or "Haikyuu!!", you may have come across this word at some point. Observing its use in Japanese media is a great way to absorb its meaning naturally.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 踢る (keru) - Kick, to kick. (Usage is generally related to kicking a ball or object.)