Translation and Meaning of: 飛ぶ - tobu

The Japanese word 飛ぶ (とぶ, tobu) is a common verb in everyday life in Japan, but it carries interesting meanings and uses for those learning the language. If you have ever wondered what it means, how it is written, or in what contexts it appears, this article will clarify these questions. Additionally, we will explore curiosities about its use in Japanese culture and tips for memorizing it effectively.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 飛ぶ is defined as "to fly" or "to jump," but its meaning can extend to more abstract situations, such as "to be launched" or "to spread quickly." Whether in animes, everyday conversations, or even in idiomatic expressions, this word has a notable presence. Let's understand why.

Meaning and use of 飛ぶ

The verb 飛ぶ is often associated with the act of flying, like a bird or an airplane. For example, 鳥が空を飛ぶ (とりがそらをとぶ, tori ga sora o tobu) means "the bird flies in the sky." However, its use is not limited to this literal sense. In more colloquial contexts, it can indicate fast movement or even escape, as in 彼は現場から飛んで行った (かれはげんばからとんでいった, kare wa genba kara tonde itta) – "he ran away from the scene."

Another interesting application is in expressions like 噂が飛ぶ (うわさがとぶ, uwasa ga tobu), which means "the rumor spreads." Here, the idea is not of physical flight, but of something that propagates quickly. This versatility makes 飛ぶ a useful word in different situations, from casual conversations to more poetic descriptions.

Origin and writing of the kanji 飛

The kanji 飛 consists of 14 strokes and belongs to the group of more complex characters in the Japanese language. Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, where it represented the movement of wings fluttering in the air. The radical 飛 (hi) is present in other words related to aerial movement, such as 飛行機 (ひこうき, hikouki – airplane) and 飛躍 (ひやく, hiyaku – leap, advance).

One tip for memorizing this kanji is to observe its shape: the upper strokes resemble open wings, while the lower part suggests movement. This visual association can help students retain the writing. Additionally, the kun'yomi reading とぶ (tobu) is the most common in daily life, while the on'yomi ひ (hi) appears in compound , such as those mentioned earlier.

To fly in Japanese culture

In Japan, 飛ぶ is not just a basic vocabulary word – it also appears in proverbs and cultural expressions. One example is 飛ぶ鳥も落とす勢い (とぶとりもおとすいきおい, tobu tori mo otosu ikioi), which describes someone with such influence that "even a flying bird would fall." This phrase illustrates how the verb can convey ideas of power and impact.

In addition, 飛ぶ is often used in media such as anime and manga for action scenes or dramatic moments. Characters that "fly" in battles or dangerous situations reinforce the notion of quick movement and intensity. For fans of Japanese pop culture, recognizing this term can add depth to the understanding of the stories.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 飛ぶ

• 飛ぶ - dictionary form
• 飛んで - Progressive form
• 飛んだ - past form
• 飛びます - Polite form present/future
• 飛ばない - negative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 飛翔する (Hishou suru) - fly, rise
• 飛行する (Hikou suru) - to fly, to make a flight (generally used in the context of aircraft)
• 飛び跳ねる (Tobihaneru) - jump, leap with enthusiasm
• 跳躍する (Chouyaku suru) - jump, the act of jumping high
• 跳ねる (Haneru) - hit, jump (more informal)
• 跳ぶ (Tobu) - jump, leap (general)
• 飛ばす (Tobasu) - launch, make fly
• 飛び立つ (Tobitatsu) - take off, to take flight
• 飛び上がる (Tobiagaru) - jump up, rise rapidly
• 飛び回る (Tobimawaru) - circular, to fly around
• 飛び散る (Tobichiru) - spread, fly in various directions
• 飛び込む (Tobikomu) - dive, to enter quickly ( with something)
• 飛び降りる (Tobioriru) - jump down
• 飛び越える (Tobikoeru) - jump over, overcome an obstacle
• 飛び出す (Tobidashu) - attack, leave quickly (in motion)
• 飛び交う (Tobikau) - float between, fly from one side to the other
• 飛び石 (Tobiishi) - stepping stones (used to cross water)
• 飛び道具 (Tobidougu) - weapons or devices that are launched
• 飛び続ける (Tobitsuzukeru) - continue to fly or jump
• 飛び付く (Tobitsuku) - to throw oneself on, to embrace or to grab quickly
• 飛び乗る (Tobinoru) - quickly climb onto (something in motion)