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:

私は毎日料理を作る。

Watashi wa mainichi ryōri o tsukuru

I cook every day.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 毎日 (mainichi) - Japanese adverb meaning "every day"
• 料理 (ryouri) - The Japanese noun that means "cuisine" or "cooking" is "料理" (りょうり, ryōri).
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 作る (tsukuru) - Japanese verb that means "to do" or "to prepare"

私は作曲が大好きです。

Watashi wa sakkyoku ga daisuki desu

I love to compose music.

I love composition.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 作曲 (sakkyoku) - noun that means "musical composition"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大好き (daisuki) - adjective meaning "very loved" or "adored"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the state or condition of the subject

私は毎日工作をしています。

Watashi wa mainichi kousaku wo shiteimasu

I work everyday.

I work every day.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 毎日 (mainichi) - means "every day" in Japanese
• 工作 (kousaku) - "work" in Japanese.
• を (wo) - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• しています (shiteimasu) - the polite form of the verb "suru" which means "to do" in Japanese, conjugated in the present continuous

私の作品はまだ未完成です。

Watashi no sakuhin wa mada mikansei desu

My work is not yet complete.

My work is still unfinished.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 作品 - noun meaning "work" or "artistic work"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• まだ - adverb that means "still" or "for now"
• 未完成 - noun meaning "incomplete" or "unfinished"
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is an affirmative statement

私たちは耕作をする必要があります。

Watashitachi wa kousaku o suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

We need to do agriculture.

We need to cultivate.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 耕作をする - "Fazer cultivo" in Japanese
• 必要があります - "It is necessary" in Japanese

編物は手作りのアイテムです。

Hemmotsu wa tezukuri no aitemu desu

Knitting is an artisanal item.

• 編物 - Japanese word meaning "knitting".
• は - topic particle in Japanese, which indicates that the subject of the sentence is "編物" (knitting).
• 手作り - a Japanese word meaning "handmade".
• の - possession particle in Japanese, which indicates that "アイテム" (item) is possessed by "手作り" (handmade).
• アイテム - Japanese word meaning "item".
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, which indicates that the sentence is an affirmation.

群れを作るのは自然の摂理だ。

Mure wo tsukuru no wa shizen no setsuri da

It is a natural providence to make a herd.

• 群れ (mure) - means "group" or "herd" in Japanese
• を (wo) - object particle
• 作る (tsukuru) - Verb that means "to create" or "to form"
• のは (no wa) - Topic particle
• 自然 (shizen) - It means "nature" in Japanese.
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 摂理 (setsuri) - It means "natural order" or "law of nature" in Japanese.
• だ (da) - copulative verb indicating existence or identity

行列を作って待っている。

Gyōretsu o tsukutte matte iru

I'm queuing and waiting.

I'm expecting a line.

• 行列 - means "row".
• を - object particle.
• 作って - verb form of the verb "作る" meaning "to create" or "to make".
• 待っている - verb form of the verb "待つ" which means "to wait".

製作は私たちの仕事です。

Seisaku wa watashitachi no shigoto desu

Production is our job.

Production is our job.

• 製作 (seisaku) - production, manufacturing
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 私たち (watashitachi) - we
• の (no) - Particle that indicates possession
• 仕事 (shigoto) - work, employment
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form