Translation and Meaning of: 辛うじて - karoujite

The Japanese word 辛うじて (かろうじて) is a term that sparks curiosity both for its sound and its peculiar meaning. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding how and when to use it can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, translation, and contexts of use, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

Meaning and translation of 辛うじて.

辛うじて is an adverb that conveys the idea of "barely", "by a hair", or "hardly". It is used to describe situations where something was achieved with great difficulty or almost did not happen. For example, if someone says かろうじて電車に間に合った (karo ujite densha ni maniatta), it means that the person barely caught the train, almost missing it.

In English, the closest translation would be "barely" or "narrowly." In Portuguese, besides the options already mentioned, we can also use expressions like "por um fio" or "por um triz." The word conveys a sense of effort or luck that almost wasn't enough, making it useful in everyday narratives.

Origin and composition of the term

The term 辛うじて is formed by the kanji 辛 (kara), which means "difficult" or "painful," followed by the suffix うじて (ujite), which reinforces the idea of something done with great effort. Its origin dates back to classical Japanese, where 辛し (karashi) was used to express difficulty or suffering, evolving into the current form over time.

It is worth noting that the kanji 辛 also appears in words like 辛い (tsurai, "difficult" or "harsh") and 辛味 (karami, "spicy"), but its use in 辛うじて is more related to the meaning of "painfully" rather than flavor. This duality of meanings is common in many kanjis, but here the context always points to the idea of something done with extreme effort.

Cultural use and frequency in Japanese

In daily life, 辛うじて is more common in written narratives or formal speeches than in casual conversations. Its use often appears in news, reports, or stories that describe risky situations or overcoming challenges. For example, a newspaper might say that a team かろうじて勝利した (karo ujite shouri shita) to indicate a narrow victory.

Although it is not a rare word, it is not as common as other adverbs like やっと (yatto) or ようやく (youyaku), which also convey the idea of something achieved with difficulty. The difference lies in the nuance: 辛うじて emphasizes that the result was obtained by a narrow margin, while the others may suggest relief after a long process.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• かろうじて (karōjite) - With difficulty; just managing.
• ギリギリ (girigiri) - Just in time; on the edge, barely managing.
• 何とか (nantoka) - Somehow; in a way that one can achieve, but with difficulties.
• ぎりぎり (girigiri) - Almost not; at the limit, similar to ギリギリ, but used in slightly different contexts.