Translation and Meaning of: 作 - saku

The Japanese word 作[さく] is a versatile term that appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal expressions. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and uses can be quite useful. In this article, we will explore how this word is used, its writing in kanji, and even some tips for memorizing it efficiently.

In addition to being a common component in basic vocabulary, 作[さく] is also present in various compound expressions, which broadens its field of application. Whether you want to improve your Japanese or simply learn more about the linguistic culture of Japan, this guide will provide valuable information. Let's start with the meaning and then move on to other interesting aspects.

Meaning and usage of 作[さく]

作[さく] can be translated as "creation," "production," or "work," depending on the context. It is often used in compound words, such as 作品 (sakuhin), which means "artwork" or "creative work." Another example is 作成 (sakusei), which refers to the act of developing or producing something, like a document or project.

In everyday situations, 作[さく] appears in phrases like 手作り (tezukuri), which means "handmade" or "artisanal." This flexibility makes the word essential for anyone looking to communicate more naturally in Japanese. It's worth noting that, although it has a broad meaning, its use is usually tied to something that has been created or produced intentionally.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 作 is composed of the radical 亻(on the left side, indicating a person) and 乍 (on the right side, associated with sudden actions or creation). This combination suggests the idea of someone performing an action of producing or manufacturing. The reading さく (saku) is one of the most common, but the same kanji can also be read as つく(る) (tsuku(ru)) in other contexts.

From a historical point of view, the character has roots in ancient Chinese and was incorporated into Japanese with a similar meaning. Its presence in classical and contemporary texts shows how it remains relevant over time. For those learning kanji, observing these components can help better solidify the writing and meaning.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember 作[さく] is to associate it with words you already know, like 作家 (sakka), which means "writer" or "author." Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "この作品は素晴らしい" (kono sakuhin wa subarashii), which means "This work is wonderful." Repeating these structures in real contexts makes memorization easier.

Interestingly, 作[さく] also appears in terms related to cooking, such as 料理作 (ryōri-zukuri), which refers to the preparation of food. This type of usage emphasizes how the word is connected to creative and practical activities. If you enjoy Japanese cuisine, this can be an interesting connection to solidify your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• つくる (tsukuru) - Make, create
• づくり (zukuri) - Construction, training (usually used as a suffix)
• づくる (zukuru) - Build, make (alternative form of つくる)
• さく (saku) - Make, create (usually used in relation to the production of art or material)
• はじめる (hajimeru) - to start
• こしらえる (koshiraeru) - Make, prepare something carefully
• つくりだす (tsukuridasu) - Start to make or create something (emphasis on the creation process)
• つくりあげる (tsukuriageru) - Complete, finish doing something
• つくりこむ (tsurikomu) - Incorporate, integrate into creation
• つくりこなす (tsurikonasu) - Competently carry out the creation
• つくりこしらえる (tsurikirou) - Make and prepare carefully, usually refers to specific objects (habit of creating)

作

Romaji: saku
Kana: さく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: a job; a harvest

Meaning in English: a work;a harvest

Definition: To create something or to act.

Example Sentences - (作) saku

See below some example sentences:

香辛料を使って料理を作りました。

Kōshinryō o tsukatte ryōri o tsukurimashita

I made a meal using spices.

I cooked using spices.

• 香辛料 - Spice
• を - direct object particle
• 使って - using
• 料理 - cuisine
• を - direct object particle
• 作りました - he did

連なる山々は美しい景色を作り出す。

Rennaru yamayama wa utsukushii keshiki o tsukuridasu

The rows of mountains create a beautiful landscape.

The changing mountains create beautiful landscapes.

• 連なる - means "in a row" or "in sequence".
• 山々 - means "mountains" (the repeated kanji 山 indicates plurality).
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "the mountains in sequence".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• 景色 - Noun that means "landscape" or "view".
• を - direct object particle, indicates that "beautiful landscape" is the object of the action.
• 作り出す - verb meaning "create" or "produce".

復旧作業が完了しました。

Fukkyū sagyō ga kanryō shimashita

The recovery operation has completed.

The recovery job has been completed.

• 復旧作業 - restoration work
• が - subject particle
• 完了 - conclusion, finalization
• しました - past form of the verb "suru" (to do)

布で作られた服はとても快適です。

Fuku de tsukurareta fuku wa totemo kaiteki desu

Clothes made of fabric are very comfortable.

Clothing made of cloth is very comfortable.

• 布で作られた - made of fabric
• 服 - clothes
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 快適 - comfortable
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

凶作により収穫が少なかった。

Kyousaku ni yori shuukaku ga sukunakatta

Due to bad harvest

Harvest was less due to bad harvest.

• 凶作 - agricultural disaster
• により - because
• 収穫 - harvest
• が - (subject particle)
• 少なかった - it was little

プログラムを作成するのは楽しいです。

Puroguramu wo sakusei suru no wa tanoshii desu

Creating a program is fun.

Creating a program is fun.

• プログラム (puroguramu) - Program
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 作成する (sakusei suru) - Create, produce
• のは (no wa) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 楽しい (tanoshii) - Fun, pleasant
• です (desu) - Particle that indicates the polite or polite form of the sentence

運搬は重要な作業です。

Unpan wa juuyou na sagyou desu

Transport is an important task.

• 運搬 (unpan) - transportation, loading
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 作業 (sagyou) - work, operation
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay

藁で作られた帽子をかぶっている。

Wara de tsukurareta boushi wo kabutte iru

I am wearing a hat made of straw.

I wear a hat made of straw.

• 藁 (wara) - straw
• で (de) - binding particle
• 作られた (tsukurareta) - was made
• 帽子 (boushi) - hat
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• かぶっている (kabutteiru) - is using

線は美しいデザインを作り出す重要な要素です。

Sen wa utsukushii dezain wo tsukuri dasu juuyou na youso desu

Line is an important factor in creating a beautiful design.

• 線 - means "line" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 美しい - The adjective that means "pretty" or "beautiful" in Japanese is "美しい" (utsukushii).
• デザイン - borrowed from the English word for "design"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 作り出す - verb meaning "to create" or "to produce" in Japanese
• 重要な - 重要 (じゅうよう)
• 要素 - noun meaning "element" or "component" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate a statement or affirmation

爆破は危険な作業です。

Bakuha wa kiken na sagyou desu

Demolition is dangerous work.

Bombing is a dangerous task.

• 爆破 - explosion
• は - Topic particle
• 危険 - danger
• な - adjective in attribute form
• 作業 - work, operation
• です - verb to be in the polite form