Translation and Meaning of: 付ける - tsukeru

If you're learning Japanese, you have probably come across the word 付ける (つける). This versatile expression appears in various contexts and can have different meanings depending on the situation. In this article, we will explore the meaning, everyday uses, and some curiosities about 付ける, along with tips for memorizing it effectively. Whether it's to understand sentences in animes or to communicate better, knowing this word is essential for students of the Japanese language.

Meaning and uses of 付ける

付ける is a Japanese verb that can be translated as "to put," "to attach," or "to apply," depending on the context. It is often used to indicate the action of fixing something onto another object, such as in シールを付ける (to attach a sticker). Additionally, it can also mean "to turn on" (in the case of electronics) or even "to acquire" a habit, as in 習慣を付ける (to create a habit).

Another common use is in expressions related to attention or care, such as 気を付ける (to pay attention). This flexibility makes 付ける an extremely useful word in everyday life. Its kanji, 付, represents the idea of "adhere" or "be close," which helps to understand its application in different situations.

Trivia and memorization tips

An effective way to memorize 付ける is to associate it with practical situations. For example, think about putting a sticker on a notebook or turning on a light when entering a room. These mental images make it easier to remember the vocabulary. Additionally, the verb often appears in everyday dialogues and even in Japanese song lyrics, which can aid in learning through immersion.

An interesting fact is that 付ける can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as in 味を付ける (seasoning food). This variety of applications shows how the Japanese language uses the same verb to express seemingly distinct ideas that share the notion of "adding" or "connecting."

Use in common expressions

In addition to the examples already mentioned, 付ける appears in several fixed expressions that are worth knowing. 値段を付ける, for example, means "to put a price" on something, while 身に付ける refers to "wearing" or "using" clothes and accessories. These combinations are essential for anyone who wants to sound more natural when speaking Japanese.

It is worth noting that, in some cases, 付ける can be replaced by other verbs such as 着る (for clothes) or 点ける (to turn on devices), but its general use remains widely spread. Mastering these nuances allows for more precise and fluent communication, especially in informal conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 付ける

• 付ける positive way
• 付けません negative form
• 付けました Past form
• 付けませんでした past negative form

Synonyms and similar words

• つける (tsukeru) - Attach, append
• 付く (tsuku) - stick, be attached
• 添える (soeru) - add, include (usually as a supplement)
• 添う (sou) - accompany, be by one's side (in a sense of closeness)
• 付帯する (futai suru) - monitor, be related (to something additional)
• 付与する (fuyo suru) - to confer, to grant (something, such as rights)
• 付属する (fuzoku suru) - attach, be associated (as part of a whole)
• 付加する (fuka suru) - add, include (something extra or additional)
• 付け加える (tsuke kaeru) - add to something already existing
• 付け替える (tsuke kaeru) - replace, swap for something (that will be attached in its place)
• 付け込む (tsuke komu) - to include or attach deeply (something in a process)
• 付け込み屋 (tsuke komiya) - who makes attachments or additions (in a more specific context)

付ける

Romaji: tsukeru
Kana: つける
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n2, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: attach; join; to maintain; to paste; to secure; to sew; furnish (a house with); to use; wear; make an entry; to assess; to set (a price); apply (ointment); to bring alongside; to put (under guard or doctor); follow

Meaning in English: to attach;to join;to stick;to glue;to fasten;to sew on;to furnish (a house with);to wear;to put on;to make an entry;to appraise;to set (a price);to apply (ointment);to bring alongside;to place (under guard or doctor);to follow;to shadow;to add;to append;t

Definition: attach it to something.

Example Sentences - (付ける) tsukeru

See below some example sentences:

彼に大切な言葉を言付けた。

Kare ni taisetsu na kotoba o itetsuketa

I gave him important words to remember.

I told him an important word.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• に (ni) - Particle indicating the recipient of the action
• 大切な (taisetsu na) - important, valuable
• 言葉 (kotoba) - Word, language
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 言付けた (kotozuketa) - Transmitted, left a message

彼は私に新しい技を仕付けた。

Kare wa watashi ni atarashii waza o shitsuketa

He taught me a new technique.

He had a new technique for me.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
• 私に - Japanese pronoun that means "for me"
• 新しい - 新しい (atarashii)
• 技 - Japanese noun that means "technique" or "skill"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "technique".
• 仕付けた - Japanese verb that means "taught" or "trained"

彼女はリップスティックを付けた。

Kanojo wa rippusutikku o tsuketa

She put on lipstick.

She pinned a lipstick.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• リップスティック (rippusutikku) - lipstick
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 付けた (tsuketa) - put

彼女は仕舞う前に部屋を片付けた。

Kanojo wa shimau mae ni heya wo katazuketa

She tidied up the room before finishing.

She cleaned the room before the end.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 仕舞う - tidy, store
• 前に - before
• 部屋 - Room, living room
• を - direct object particle
• 片付けた - tidied up, organized

私は彼女の手を私の手にくっ付けた。

Watashi wa kanojo no te wo watashi no te ni kutsuketa

I clasped her hand in mine.

I put her hand in mine.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 彼女 (kanojo) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "she"
• の (no) - possessive particle that indicates the relationship of possession or belonging
• 手 (te) - Japanese noun meaning "hand"
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - possessive particle that indicates the relationship of possession or belonging
• 手 (te) - Japanese noun meaning "hand"
• に (ni) - destination particle that indicates the place or person to which the action is directed
• くっ付けた (kutsuketa) - Japanese verb in the past that means "to join" or "to stick."