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:

この作業は無意味だと思います。

Kono sagyou wa muimi da to omoimasu

I think this work is meaningless.

I think this work makes no sense.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 作業 - Noun that means "work" or "task"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 無意味 - Adjective meaning "nonsense" or "useless"
• だ - auxiliary verb indicating the affirmative present form
• と - particle that indicates the direct quotation of an opinion or thought
• 思います - verb that means "to think" or "to believe" in a polite way

この回路は正常に動作しています。

Kono kairo wa seijō ni dōsa shite imasu

This circuit is working correctly.

This circuit works normally.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 回路 - noun that means "circuit"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this circuit"
• 正常 - adjective meaning "normal"
• に - particle that indicates the state in which the circuit is functioning
• 動作 - noun that means "operation" or "functioning"
• しています - verb that indicates the action of "being functional" or "being operational"

この映画は素晴らしい脚色で作られました。

Kono eiga wa subarashii kyakushoku de tsukuraremashita

This movie was made with great adaptation.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 映画 - noun meaning "film"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective meaning "wonderful" or "splendid"
• 脚色 - noun that means "script" or "adaptation"
• で - particle that indicates the means or method used to do something
• 作られました - passive verb in the polite past form meaning "was done" or "was produced"

このアニメは原作に忠実です。

Kono anime wa gensaku ni chūjitsu desu

This anime is faithful to the original.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• アニメ - noun meaning "animation"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 原作 - noun meaning "original work" or "source"
• に - particle that indicates action or destination
• 忠実 - adjective meaning "faithful" or "loyal"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• . - period indicating the end of the sentence

この映画は駄作だ。

Kono eiga wa dasaku da

This movie is a bad job.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 映画 - noun meaning "film"
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 駄作 - noun that means "bad, failed work"
• だ - auxiliary verb that indicates the affirmative form in the present

この本は有名な作家の著作です。

Kono hon wa yuumei na sakka no chosaku desu

This book is a work by a famous writer.

This book is a famous writer.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 有名な - adjective meaning "famous"
• 作家 - noun that means "writer"
• の - possession particle indicating that the writer is the owner of the work
• 著作 - noun meaning "literary work"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form

この作品はいつ仕上がるのですか？

Kono sakuhin wa itsu shiagaru no desu ka?

When will this work be ready?

When will this work end?

• この作品 - This work
• は - Topic particle
• いつ - When
• 仕上がる - It will be completed
• の - Noun particle
• ですか - é?

スライドを使ってプレゼンテーションを作りました。

Suraido wo tsukatte purezenteshon wo tsukurimashita

I made a presentation using a slide.

• スライド (suraido) - slide
• を (wo) - partícula que indica o objeto da frase
• 使って (tsukatte) - using
• プレゼンテーション (purezentēshon) - presentation
• を (wo) - partícula que indica o objeto da frase
• 作りました (tsukurimashita) - made

中学で友達をたくさん作りました。

Chuugaku de tomodachi wo takusan tsukurimashita

I made many friends in high school.

• 中学 - Secondary school
• で - particle that indicates the place where something happened
• 友達 - friends
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• たくさん - many
• 作りました - made, created

今年は豊作になるように祈っています。

Kotoshi wa hōsaku ni naru yō ni inotte imasu

I pray for a good harvest this year.

• 今年 - This year
• は - Topic particle
• 豊作 - abundant harvest
• に - target particle
• なる - become
• ように - for what
• 祈っています - I'm praying