Translation and Meaning of: 告げる - tsugeru

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 告げる[つげる]. This verb carries important meanings and is used in contexts ranging from everyday conversations to more formal situations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, practical usage, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. Whether to enrich your vocabulary or better understand Japanese culture, this guide will help.

In addition to uncovering the translation and uses of 告げる, we will analyze how this word is perceived by native speakers. Does it appear frequently in animes or dramas? Are there compound expressions that use it? These and other questions will be answered throughout the text, always based on reliable sources and verified information. If you are looking for a complete Japanese dictionary, Suki Nihongo is a great reference to deepen your studies.

Meaning and translation of 告げる

The verb 告げる can be translated as "announce", "declare", or "inform". It is used when someone communicates something directly, often with a solemn or formal tone. For example, in ceremonies or important situations, such as announcing a decision or conveying significant news. Unlike words like 言う (to say) or 話す (to speak), 告げる carries greater weight, suggesting that the information shared is of relevance.

It is worth noting that, although it can be used in everyday contexts, 告げる is not as common as other communication verbs. It appears more in speeches, literary texts, or situations where formality is necessary. If you are learning Japanese, it is helpful to be aware of this nuance to avoid improper uses. One tip is to associate it with moments of "official announcement" to more easily memorize its meaning.

Origin and writing of the kanji 告

The kanji that makes up 告げる is 告, which means "to announce" or "to inform." Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese characters, where it represented the idea of conveying a message clearly. The radical 口 (kuchi, mouth) appears at the bottom, reinforcing the connection with speech and communication. The upper component suggests a directed action, as if someone is proclaiming something to others.

Curiously, this same kanji appears in other words related to formal communication, such as 告白 (kokuhaku - confession) or 広告 (kōkoku - advertisement). If you already know these terms, it becomes easier to associate 告げる with its main meaning. One way to memorize the kanji is to visualize it as a mouth (口) making an important statement, almost like a public speech.

Cultural use and frequency in Japanese

In Japan, 告げる is a word that appears more frequently in ceremonial or media contexts. For example, in news reports announcing government decisions or in traditional ceremonies where there are formal speeches. In animes and dramas, it can occur in dramatic scenes, such as a character revealing an important secret or declaring a life change.

Although it is not a common verb, understanding its use helps to perceive how the Japanese language differentiates levels of formality and intention. If you want to sound natural when speaking, it's better to choose 言う or 伝える in informal situations. But if the goal is to write a more elaborate text or understand news, 告げる is a valuable word to add to your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 伝える (tsuugeru) - transmit, communicate information or feelings
• 報告する (houkoku suru) - report, inform about a specific event or situation
• 告知する (kokusuru) - announce, to make known formal or official information
• 通知する (tsuuchi suru) - notify, inform someone about something important, usually through a notice
• 知らせる (shiraseru) - to inform, to make someone aware of something

告げる

Romaji: tsugeru
Kana: つげる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to inform

Meaning in English: to inform

Definition: To transmit.

Example Sentences - (告げる) tsugeru

See below some example sentences:

私は彼女に愛を告げた。

Watashi wa kanojo ni ai o tsugeru

I declared my love to her.

I told her love.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 彼女 (kanojo) - noun meaning "her" or "girlfriend"
• に (ni) - particle indicating the addressee of the action, in this case "to her"
• 愛 (ai) - noun meaning "love"
• を (wo) - particle indicating the direct object of the action, in this case, "love"
• 告げた (tsugeta) - verb meaning "to declare" or "to confess", conjugated in the past tense