Translation and Meaning of: 駆ける - kakeru

If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, you may have encountered the word 駆ける (かける). This expression carries interesting nuances and appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to literary works. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in practice. You will also discover tips to memorize the term and curiosities that make your learning experience richer.

The meaning and usage of 駆ける

The verb 駆ける (かける) is often translated as "to run" or "to gallop," but its meaning goes beyond simple physical action. It can convey the idea of rapid movement, whether of people, animals, or even vehicles. Unlike 走る (はしる), which is more generic, 駆ける carries a connotation of urgency or intensity.

In literary contexts, this word is used to create vivid images. For example, a horse "駆ける" evokes the feeling of speed and freedom. In everyday speech, it appears less than 走る, but it is still relevant for describing situations where the movement is more dramatic or accelerated.

The origin and writing of the kanji 駆

The kanji 駆 consists of the radical 馬 (horse) and the component 区, which suggests division or separation. This combination is not random: historically, the character was associated with the idea of horses running in different directions. The Kangorin dictionary confirms this relationship, showing how the writing reflects the original meaning.

It is worth noting that 駆ける is one of the verbs that use the kanji 駆, but it also appears in other words such as 駆除 (くじょ, "eradication"). Knowing how to identify the radical 馬 can help associate the term with other words related to horses or movement.

Tips for memorizing and using 駆ける

An effective way to 駆ける is to associate it with action scenes. Think of samurai movies where horses run in battles, or in animes like "Attack on Titan," where characters move quickly in intense situations. This visual connection helps to differentiate it from more common verbs like 走る.

Another strategy is to practice with short sentences: "馬が野原を駆ける" (The horse runs through the field) or "彼は階段を駆け下りた" (He ran down the stairs). Suki Nihongo, one of the best online dictionaries, provides examples like this to reinforce learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 駆ける

• 駆ける Infinitive
• 駆けて Shape you
• 駆けた past
• 駆けない Negative
• 駆けます polite

Synonyms and similar words

• 疾走する (shissou suru) - run
• 疾駆する (shikkusuru) - run swiftly, usually with determination
• 疾風迅雷の如く走る (shippuujinrai no gotoku hashiru) - run like a swift wind and lightning, to the extreme of speed
• 飛び込む (tobikomu) - dive into something, with an emphasis on the sudden action
• 突進する (tosshinsuru) - advance or attack with force, stopping suddenly
• 急ぐ (isogu) - to hurry or do something quickly
• 急ぎ足で歩く (isogi ashi de aruku) - walk rapidly, with hurried steps