Translation and Meaning of: 奉る - tatematsuru

The Japanese word 奉る (たてまつる, tatematsuru) carries a historical and cultural weight that goes beyond its literal meaning. If you are looking to understand how this expression is used in daily life, its origin, or even how to memorize it, this article will explore all of that in a clear and straightforward manner. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to simplify Japanese, so let's break down each relevant aspect of 奉る without any detours.

We will look at the context in which this word appears, as well as its relation to traditional Japanese culture. If you have encountered it in formal texts, ceremonies, or even period dramas, understanding its practical use could be the key to mastering it. Let's start with the basics: what exactly does 奉る mean and why is it so special in the Japanese language?

Meaning and usage of 奉る

奉る is a verb that conveys the idea of offering something with deep respect, often in religious or ceremonial contexts. Unlike more common words like あげる (ageru), which also means "to offer," 奉る carries a nuance of reverence and extreme formality. It is often used when referring to offerings to deities, emperors, or in Shinto rituals.

An interesting detail is that, although it is a verb, 奉る (tatematsuru) rarely appears in everyday conversations. Its use is more related to historical texts, traditional ceremonies, or situations that require extremely polite language. For example, in a temple, you might hear about 神に奉る (kami ni tatematsuru), which means "to offer to a god." This specificity makes the word less versatile, but more meaningful in certain contexts.

Origin and components of kanji

The etymology of 奉る traces back to the kanji 奉, which alone carries the idea of dedication and service. This character is composed of elements that suggest "hands" (手) and "offer" (捧), reinforcing the concept of humbly presenting gifts. Research in etymological dictionaries like 漢字源 confirms that its origin is linked to ancient offering rituals at the imperial court.

It is worth noting that the radical 大 (big) present in the kanji is not accidental. It symbolizes the magnitude of the act of offering, something that goes beyond just a simple gift. This construction reflects how the Japanese language embeds layers of meaning in its ideograms, especially in terms associated with age-old traditions. For students of Japanese, observing these details can be a great way to solidify vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective strategy to remember 奉る is to associate it with solemn situations. Think of tea ceremonies, Shinto festivals, or even scenes from samurai movies where there are ceremonial exchanges. This visual connection helps to distinguish it from more generic verbs. Another tip is to practice with sentences like 先祖に奉る (senzo ni tatematsuru), which means "to offer to the ancestors."

It is important to note that 奉る should not be used casually. Trying to apply it in informal contexts would sound as strange as using "vossa mercê" in modern Portuguese. Its place is truly in occasions that require archaic or extremely respectful language. For everyday use, opt for alternatives like 差し上げる (sashiageru), which maintain formality without sounding anachronistic.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 奉る

• 奉らない - negative form
• 奉られる - passive form
• 奉れ - imperative form
• 奉れる - Potential Form
• 奉らせる - causative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 捧げる (sasageru) - To offer; to dedicate something with respect.
• 献げる (sanageru) - Dedicate; to offer something of value, usually in an important context.
• 奉納する (hounou suru) - To offer formally, especially in religious ceremonies.
• 奉献する (houken suru) - To dedicate a work or act to a sacred or meaningful purpose.
• 奉仕する (houshi suru) - To serve or assist for a cause or organization.
• 奉公する (houkou suru) - Serve in a public duty position, often in a samurai context.
• 奉じる (houjiru) - Offering respect or honoring in a formal context.
• 奉ずる (houzuru) - To dedicate or offer proactively, often in a sense of service.

奉る

Romaji: tatematsuru
Kana: たてまつる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to offer; to present; to reverence; do respectfully

Meaning in English: to offer;to present;to revere;to do respectfully

Definition: Show respect and courtesy towards others and towards God.