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:

キャンパスで友達を作りたいです。

Kyampusu de tomodachi wo tsukuritai desu

I want to make friends on campus.

• キャンパス (kyanpasu) - campus
• で (de) - in
• 友達 (tomodachi) - amigo/amiga
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 作りたい (tsukuritai) - want to do/create
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

この映画は本当に傑作だ。

Kono eiga wa hontō ni kessaku da

This film is truly a masterpiece.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 映画 - noun that means "movie".
• は - Topic particle that indicates that what follows is the subject of the sentence.
• 本当に - adverb that means "really" or "truly".
• 傑作 - Noun meaning "masterpiece".
• だ - Verb that indicates the existence or identity of the subject of the sentence.

このゲームの動作は非常にスムーズです。

Kono gēmu no dōsa wa hijō ni sumūzu desu

The movement of this game is very smooth.

• この (kono) - this
• ゲーム (geemu) - game
• の (no) - of
• 動作 (dousa) - Operation, functioning
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 非常に (hijou ni) - Very, extremely
• スムーズ (sumuuzu) - Smooth, fluid
• です (desu) - ser, estar (linking verb)
• . (ponto final)

この小説の作者は誰ですか？

Kono shousetsu no sakusha wa dare desu ka?

Who is the author of this novel?

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 小説 - noun "romance"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 作者 - noun "author"
• は - topic particle "は"
• 誰 - interrogative pronoun "who"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - interrogative particle "?"

この小説は名作だと思います。

Kono shousetsu wa meisaku da to omoimasu

I think this novel is a masterpiece.

I think this novel is a masterpiece.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 小説 - noun "romance/novel"
• は - Topic particle
• 名作 - noun "masterpiece"
• だ - verb "to be" in the affirmative form
• と - Quote particle
• 思います - verb "think" in the polite form

この模型はとても精密に作られています。

Kono mokei wa totemo seimitsu ni tsukurareteimasu

This model is made very precisely.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 模型 - Noun "model"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 精密 - adjective "precise"
• に - Target particle
• 作られています - passive verb "was done"

この雑誌に私の作品が掲載されました。

Kono zasshi ni watashi no sakuhin ga keisai sare mashita

My work was published in this magazine.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 雑誌 - noun "magazine"
• に - particle that indicates "in"
• 私の - possessive pronoun "my"
• 作品 - noun "work"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 掲載 - noun "publication"
• されました - passive verb "was published"

この作家の小説はとても面白いです。

Kono sakka no shousetsu wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This writer's novel is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative indicating proximity, in this case "this"
• 作家 - noun that means "writer"
• の - particle indicating possession, in this case "of"
• 小説 - noun that means "romance" or "novel"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - adjective meaning "interesting" or "fun"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the present, in this case, "é"

この作品は出品されました。

Kono sakuhin wa shuppin sare mashita

This work was put for sale.

This work was displayed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 作品 - noun meaning "work" or "artistic work"
• は - topic particle which indicates that what comes before it is the main subject of the sentence
• 出品 - noun meaning "exhibition" or "display of works of art"
• されました - passive verb in the polite form, indicating that the action was carried out by someone, but not specifying who

この作戦は成功すると信じています。

Kono sakusen wa seikō suru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this strategy will succeed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 作戦 - noun meaning "strategy" or "plan of action"
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 成功する - verb meaning "to succeed" or "to be successful"
• と - grammatical particle indicating a direct quotation
• 信じています - compound verb meaning "to believe" or "to have faith"