Translation and Meaning of: 運ぶ - hakobu

The Japanese word 運ぶ (はこぶ, hakobu) is a common verb in everyday Japan, but it carries interesting nuances in both its meaning and cultural use. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding how this word functions can be useful to expand your vocabulary and even avoid confusions in communication. In this article, we will explore the meaning of 運ぶ, its origin, how it is used in different contexts, and some tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to meaning "to transport" or "to carry," 運ぶ can also be used in more abstract situations, such as in project development or in advancing negotiations. This versatility makes it a word frequently found in everyday conversations, in formal texts, and even in Japanese media. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and precise explanations about like this, helping you master Japanese naturally.

Meaning and usage of 運ぶ

The verb 運ぶ primarily means "to transport" or "to take something from one place to another." It is often used in physical contexts, such as carrying objects, goods, or even people. For example, in a work environment, one might say "この荷物を運んでください" (Please transport this load). However, its use is not limited to just the concrete sense.

In more abstract situations, 運ぶ can mean "to make progress" or "to carry forward." A common example is in the expression "話を運ぶ" (to carry the conversation forward), where the word takes on a metaphorical meaning. This duality between the physical and the abstract makes 運ぶ a quite versatile verb, present in different s of the Japanese language, from informal conversations to more formal texts.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 運ぶ is composed of the kanji 運, which means "luck," "transport," or "movement," and the verb ぶ (ぶ), which indicates action. The kanji 運 alone already carries the idea of displacement, whether physical or metaphoric, which helps to understand why this word is used for both transporting objects and advancing in abstract situations. This relationship between the ideogram and its meaning is one of the fascinating aspects of the Japanese language.

It is worth noting that 運ぶ is not the only verb that uses the kanji 運. Words like 運転 (うんてん, driving) and 運命 (うんめい, destiny) also share this root, reinforcing the idea of movement and displacement. If you are learning Japanese, noticing these connections between kanjis can be a great way to memorize vocabulary more efficiently.

Tips to memorize 運ぶ

One of the best ways to memorize 運ぶ is to associate it with everyday situations. Imagine yourself carrying a heavy box or helping a friend move furniture – these concrete images can help the main meaning. For the abstract sense, think of expressions like "moving a project forward," where the idea of progress is present.

Another strategy is to practice with simple sentences, such as "本を運ぶ" (carry books) or "計画を運ぶ" (make a plan progress). Repeating these examples aloud or writing them down on flashcards can strengthen memorization. Additionally, watching dramas or animes where the word appears in context is also a fun way to absorb its real use.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 運送する (unsou suru) - Goods transportation; shipping.
• 輸送する (yusou suru) - Transport, generally used for transporting large volumes or over long distances.
• 配達する (haitatsu suru) - Delivery of specific items, often related to postal services or parcel delivery.
• 運搬する (unpan suru) - Transport, often related to the physical handling of cargo.
• 搬入する (han'nyuu suru) - Entry and placement of items in a specific location.
• 運び出す (hakobidasu) - Remove or take something out of a place.
• 運び込む (hakobikomu) - Take something inside a place.
• 運び入れる (hakobiireru) - Insertion of items into a space; similar to "運び込む" but emphasizes the act of insertion.