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:

手順を守って作業してください。

Tejun wo mamotte sagyou shite kudasai

Please follow the instructions and do the job.

Follow the procedure and work.

• 手順 - procedure
• を - object particle
• 守って - follow
• 作業 - work
• して - doing
• ください - Please

幸福は自分自身で作り出すものです。

Koufuku wa jibun jishin de tsukuridasu mono desu

Happiness is something we create for ourselves.

Happiness is created by you.

• 幸福 - happiness
• は - Topic particle
• 自分自身 - To yourself
• で - Location particle
• 作り出す - Create, produce
• もの - thing
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

創作は自由な表現です。

Sousaku wa jiyuu na hyougen desu

Creation is a free expression.

Creation is a freedom of expression.

• 創作 (sousaku) - Creation, production
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自由 (jiyuu) - Freedom
• な (na) - Particle that emphasizes the adjective that comes before.
• 表現 (hyougen) - Expression, representation
• です (desu) - Polite form of "to be" or "to stay"

作り方を教えてください。

Tsukurikata wo oshiete kudasai

Please teach me how to do it.

Please tell you how to make it.

• 作り方 - noun meaning "method of doing something"
• を - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 教えて - verb meaning "teach" or "explain"
• ください - polite form of the verb "give", used to make a request or request

作成することは重要です。

Sakusei suru koto wa juuyou desu

Creating is important.

Creating is important.

• 作成する - It means "to create" or "to produce".
• こと - It is an abstract noun that means "thing" or "fact".
• は - It is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "create" or "produce".
• 重要 - It means "important" or "crucial."
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar".

作物は農業の基本的な要素です。

Sakumotsu wa nōgyō no kihonteki na yōso desu

Crops are basic elements of agriculture.

Crops are the basic elements of agriculture.

• 作物 - cultivation
• は - Topic particle
• 農業 - agriculture
• の - Possessive particle
• 基本的 - Basic
• な - adjectival suffix
• 要素 - Element
• です - Verb to be/estar

メーカーは製品を作る会社です。

Mēkā wa seihin o tsukuru kaisha desu

A manufacturer is a company that produces products.

The manufacturer is a company that manufactures products.

• メーカー - manufacturer
• は - Topic particle
• 製品 - product
• を - direct object particle
• 作る - make, produce
• 会社 - company
• です - verb "to be", indicating state or quality

この芸術作品の形態は非常に珍しいです。

Kono geijutsu sakuhin no keitai wa hijō ni mezurashii desu

The form of this work of art is very unusual.

The form of this work of art is very rare.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 芸術作品 - compound noun meaning "work of art"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 形態 - noun meaning "shape" or "configuration"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 珍しい - Adjective that means "rare" or "uncommon"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この料理は名人の手によって作られました。

Kono ryōri wa meijin no te ni yotte tsukuraremashita

This dish was made by a master chef.

This dish was made by the master.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 料理 - noun that means "cuisine" or "dish"
• は - Topic tag that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "this cuisine"
• 名人 - noun that means "specialist" or "master"
• の - possessive particle indicating the possession relationship, in this case "of the master"
• 手 - noun that means "hand" or "skill"
• によって - "done by the hands of the master"
• 作られました - passive verb in the past form that means "was done" or "was prepared"

この美術館に寄贈された作品は素晴らしいです。

Kono bijutsukan ni kizon sareta sakuhin wa subarashii desu

The works donated to this museum are marvelous.

The work donated to this museum is wonderful.

• この - indicates that what follows is close or related to the speaker
• 美術館 - art museum
• に - particle that indicates the location where something is or takes place
• 寄贈された - The verb "kizō" in the past tense means "donated."
• 作品 - Work of art
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - The adjective "subarashii" means "wonderful."
• です - the verb "desu", which indicates the polite and formal way of speaking