Translation and Meaning of: 唾 - tsuba

The Japanese word 唾[つば] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life, as well as curiosities that can aid in memorization. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese perceive this term or in what contexts it appears, keep reading to find out.

Finding accurate information about Japanese words is not always easy, but here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and reliable explanations. We will uncover everything from kanji writing to expressions that include 唾[つば], showing how it fits into the Japanese language and society. Get ready to learn not just the translation, but also details that go beyond the dictionary.

Meaning and usage of 唾[つば]

In Japanese, 唾[つば] means "saliva" and is used both literally and in some idiomatic expressions. Unlike in Portuguese, where "saliva" is a more technical term, つば appears in everyday conversations without sounding excessively formal. For example, when talking about someone who is thirsty, it's common to hear phrases like "唾が出ない" (tsuba ga denai), which indicates the feeling of a dry mouth.

It is worth noting that, culturally, spitting in public is considered bad manners in Japan, so the word often appears in contexts of warning or disapproval. In places like train stations or parks, signs may use derivatives like "唾を吐かないで" (tsuba o hakanaide) – "do not spit here." This aspect reinforces how language reflects social norms.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 唾 is composed of two elements: the radical 口 (mouth) on the left, which indicates a relation to the oral cavity, and 垂 (sui) on the right, which carries the meaning of "to drop" or "to drip." Together, they form the idea of "what runs from the mouth." This combination is not random - it follows the logic of many kanjis that describe fluids or actions related to the body.

Interestingly, 垂 appears in other words like 垂直 (suichoku, "vertical"), but in 唾 it helps reinforce the image of saliva. For those studying Japanese, noticing these patterns can facilitate memorization. One tip is to associate the radical 口 with other kanjis like 吐 (haku, "to spit") or 叫 (sakebu, "to shout"), which also involve actions of the mouth.

Cultural expressions and curiosities

A common expression that includes 唾 is 唾を飲む (tsuba o nomu), which literally means "to swallow saliva," but is used metaphorically to describe that moment of tension when someone becomes nervous or hesitant. You can hear it in dramas or animes when a character is about to make a difficult decision. This type of usage shows how Japanese assigns symbolic meanings even to body gestures.

In addition, there is an old proverb – 唾をつけて待つ (tsuba o tsukete matsu) – which originally referred to preparing the string of a bow with saliva before shooting, meaning "to be ready to act." Although it is less commonly used today, it exemplifies how language preserves historical traits. For students, observing these details helps to understand not only the words but also the thinking behind them.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• つば (tsuba) - saliva, mouth moisture
• 唾液 (daieki) - saliva (medical thermometer)
• 口水 (kousui) - saliva (slang, colloquial words)
• 唾吐く (tobaku) - spit, to spit
• 唾を吐く (toba o haku) - spit saliva
• 唾を吐き出す (toba o hakidasu) - spit saliva
• 唾飛ばす (toba habasu) - to spit saliva
• 唾を吐きかける (toba o hakikakeru) - spitting on someone
• 唾を吐きかけられる (toba o hakikakerareru) - to be hit by saliva
• 唾を吐きかけてくる (toba o hakikakete kuru) - someone who spits on you
• 唾を吐きかけられても動じない (toba o hakikakeraretemo doujinai) - not being shaken even when spat on with saliva
• 唾を吐くような言葉を投げかける (toba o haku you na kotoba o nagekakeru) - to spit out words like saliva
• 唾を吐くような言葉を投げつけられる (toba o haku you na kotoba o nagetsukerareru) - to be subjected to words spat like saliva
• 唾を飛ばすような態度をとる (toba o tobasu you na taido o toru) - adopt an attitude that seems to spit saliva
• 唾を飛ばすような態度をとられる (toba o tobasu you na taido o torareru) - subject to a spitting attitude

唾

Romaji: tsuba
Kana: つば
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Spittle; sputum

Meaning in English: saliva;sputum

Definition: An aqueous liquid that comes out of the mouth.

Example Sentences - (唾) tsuba

See below some example sentences:

唾を吐くな。

Tsuba wo haku na

Don't spit.

• 唾 (tsuba) - saliva
• を (wo) - object particle
• 吐く (haku) - spit, vomit
• な (na) - imperative negation particle

Translation - Do not spit saliva.