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:

作業を始める前に計画を立てることが重要です。

Sagyō o hajimeru mae ni keikaku o tateru koto ga jūyō desu

It is important to do a plan before you start work.

It is important to plan before you start working.

• 作業 (sagyō) - work
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 始める (hajimeru) - start
• 前に (mae ni) - before
• 計画 (keikaku) - plan
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 立てる (tateru) - make
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 重要 (jūyō) - important
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

作業が完了しました。

Sagyō ga kanryō shimashita

The work was completed.

• 作業 (sagyō) - work, task
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 完了 (kanryō) - conclusion, finalization
• しました (shimashita) - Polite past tense of the verb "to do."

作用は非常に重要です。

Sayou wa hijou ni juuyou desu

The action is very important.

• 作用 - noun that means "function" or "effect".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 非常に - adverb that means "very" or "extremely".
• 重要 - adjective that means "important".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.

小学校で友達を作るのは楽しいです。

Shougakkou de tomodachi wo tsukuru no wa tanoshii desu

Making friends in elementary school is fun.

It's fun to make friends in elementary school.

• 小学校で - in primary school
• 友達を - friends
• 作る - make
• のは - is
• 楽しい - fun
• です - (sentence ending particle)

彼は紙を折って鳥を作った。

Kare wa kami o otte tori o tsukutta

He made a bird folding paper.

He broke the paper and made birds.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 紙 - Japanese noun that means "paper"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 折って - Japanese verb "oru" conjugated in the gerund, which means "to fold."
• 鳥 - Japanese noun that means "bird"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 作った - Japanese verb "tsukuru" conjugated in the past, which means "to create"

彼女の作品には雅致がある。

Kanojo no sakuhin ni wa gachi ga aru

Your work has elegance.

• 彼女の作品 - "Kanojo no sakuhin" means "her works".
• には - "Ni wa" is a particle that indicates that what follows is a characteristic or quality of what was mentioned earlier.
• 雅致 - "Gachi" is a term that refers to a refined and elegant quality.
• が - "Ga" is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - "Aru" is a verb meaning "to exist" or "to be".

操作を覚えるのに時間がかかることがあります。

Sōsa o oboeru no ni jikan ga kakaru koto ga arimasu

It may take some time to learn the operation.

• 操作 (sousa) - action, operation
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 覚える (oboeru) - remember, memorize
• のに (noni) - conjunction indicating a condition or reason
• 時間 (jikan) - time, hour
• が (ga) - subject particle
• かかる (kakaru) - take time, delay
• こと (koto) - abstract noun, in this case "fact"
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense

木材は建築や家具作りに欠かせない素材です。

Mokuzai wa kenchiku ya kagu tsukuri ni kakasenai sozai desu

Wood is an indispensable material for construction and furniture.

• 木材 - wood
• 建築 - construction
• 家具作り - furniture manufacturing
• 欠かせない - indispensable
• 素材 - material

毛皮は動物の皮で作られたものです。

Mouhi wa doubutsu no kawa de tsukurareta mono desu

The fur is made from animal skin.

• 毛皮 - a word that means "animal skin with hair".
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "毛皮".
• 動物 - a word that means "animal".
• の - possession particle indicating that the skin is "the animal's".
• 皮 - a word that means "skin".
• で - particle that indicates the means by which something is made, in this case, "made of".
• 作られた - verb "作る" in the past tense, which means "done".
• もの - a word that means "thing".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

活字を使って新聞を作ります。

Katsuji wo tsukatte shinbun wo tsukurimasu

Make a newspaper using impressions.

• 活字 - movable metal characters used in printing
• を - object particle
• 使って - conjugated form of the verb "tsukatte", meaning "to use"
• 新聞 - newspaper
• を - object particle
• 作ります - conjugated form of the verb "tsukurimasu", meaning "to do"