Translation and Meaning of: 退く - shirizoku

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 退く (しりぞく). It carries an interesting meaning and is used in specific contexts, both in everyday situations and in more formal settings. In this article, we will explore what this word means, how it is written in kanji, its origin, and some practical examples of usage. In addition, we will see how to memorize it easily and understand its role in Japanese culture.

Meaning and usage of 退く (しりぞく)

The word 退く (しりぞく) has as its main meaning "to retreat," "to withdraw," or "to step back." Unlike other verbs that indicate movement, it carries a nuance of voluntariness or even resistance. For example, it can be used when someone steps back from a discussion or when an army retreats in a battle.

In modern Japanese, 退く (shirizoku) is not an extremely common word in everyday conversation, but it appears in more formal or literary contexts. Its usage can be found in news articles, books, and even in dialogues from movies and dramas, especially in situations involving conflict or strategic decisions.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 退 is composed of the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) and the component 艮 (which conveys the idea of resistance or determination). This combination helps to understand why the verb carries the idea of "moving away with some reluctance." The reading しりぞく is one of several possible readings for this kanji, which can also be read as たい in compound words, such as 退職 (たいしょく - retirement).

It is worth noting that 退く should not be confused with verbs like 引く (ひく - pull) or 戻る (もどる - return), which have meanings related to movement but lack the same level of intentionality or resistance.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to 退く is to associate it with situations where there is a decision to step back, whether physically or metaphorically. For example, think of a samurai retreating in battle to reorganize his troops. This image helps to memorize not only the meaning but also the context in which the word is most commonly used.

Another tip is to pay attention to the kanji 退 in other words, such as 退院 (たいいん - hospital discharge) or 退屈 (たいくつ - boredom). Noticing how the same ideogram appears in different contexts can reinforce your learning and expand your vocabulary.