Translation and Meaning of: 退ける - shirizokeru

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about less common words, 退ける[しりぞける] is a term worth exploring. This verb carries interesting nuances and appears in specific contexts, ranging from everyday conversations to historical narratives. In this article, we will uncover its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in the Japanese language, as well as practical tips for memorization and correct usage.

The Suki Nihongo dictionary provides precise details about 退ける, but here we go beyond mere translation. You will discover, for example, how this word can express both physical distance and symbolic rejection, and why it is less common than its more direct synonyms. Get ready to understand not only the "what," but the "how" and "why" of this expression.

Meaning and usage of 退ける

退ける [しりぞける] is a verb that means "to push away," "to reject," or "to repel," but with a more decisive connotation than other similar . While words like どける (dokeru) suggest a simple physical movement, 退ける implies an intentional, almost strategic action. It can be used for both objects ("to push away a piece of furniture") and ideas ("to reject a proposal").

An interesting aspect is that 退ける appears more frequently in formal or narrative contexts, such as political speeches or literature. In everyday conversations, Japanese people tend to choose more direct alternatives unless they want to emphasize the solemnity of the action. This nuance makes the verb less common in casual dialogues, but essential for those who wish to master various s of the language.

Origin and writing of kanjis

The composition of 退ける already reveals part of its meaning. The kanji 退 (tai/shirizoku) alone carries the idea of "to retreat" or "to withdraw," combining the radical 辶 (movement) with 艮 (to stop). On the other hand, ける is the verbal form of the suffix that indicates action. This structure reinforces the sense of active distancing, unlike words like 逃げる (to flee), which suggest ivity.

It is worth noting that 退ける has a kun'yomi reading (しりぞける), which indicates its use in more concrete or everyday contexts, in contrast with the on'yomi reading (退く - たいする), common in formal compounds like 退職 (retirement). This duality is typical of many Japanese verbs and helps to understand when each form is more appropriate.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 退ける is to associate it with situations of confrontation or decision. Imagine a general repelling invading troops or a leader rejecting a controversial idea. This mental image helps differentiate it from more neutral verbs like 移す (to move). Another tip is to practice with sentences that contrast actions: "The president 退けた the proposal, but later 受け入れた (accepted) a modified version."

To avoid confusion, that 退ける should not be used for casual or involuntary movements. Pushing a chair to tidy up the room would be 動かす, not 退ける. This subtle distinction is crucial for sounding natural. If in doubt, observe how the word appears in news or debates, where its semantic load of deliberation becomes more evident.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 退ける

• 退ける - base form
• 退けます - polite form
• 退けない - negative form
• 退けた - past form

Synonyms and similar words

• 退く (shirizokeru) - Withdraw, retreat (usually in relation to a situation or location).
• 退ける (shirizokeru) - Reject, dismiss (something or someone, often in a more active context).
• 退くれる (shiri-zokeru) - Allow someone to back down or withdraw (with a gentler or requested connotation).
• 退かす (shirizokasu) - To remove something; to make something withdraw (possibly with a more authoritative tone).
• 退かせる (shirizokaseru) - Make someone pull away or retreat (emphasizing the action of provoking the withdrawal).