Translation and Meaning of: 掻く - kaku

The Japanese word 掻く [かく] is a common verb in everyday life, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. If you've ever wondered about its meaning, how to use it in sentences, or even its origin, this article will clarify everything in a simple and direct manner. We will explore everything from the basic translation to curiosities about its use in Japanese culture, all with practical examples to reinforce learning.

Meaning and translation of 掻く

The verb 掻く[かく] has as its main meaning "to scratch" or "to scrape." It is used for both physical actions, such as scratching an itch, as well as movements that involve scratching or digging something. For example, 頭を掻く (atama o kaku) means "to scratch one's head," a common gesture when someone is deep in thought or embarrassed.

In addition, 掻く can appear in more abstract contexts, such as in idiomatic expressions. Although it is not a verb with multiple meanings like others in the Japanese language, its simplicity makes it essential for everyday conversations. If you have watched animes or dramas, you have likely heard this word in everyday scenes.

Origin and writing of the kanji 掻

The kanji 掻 is composed of the radical for hand (扌), which indicates manual action, combined with the component 爪 (tsume), meaning "claw" or "nail." This combination reinforces the idea of a movement made with hands or fingers, such as scratching or scraping. It is a kanji of specific use, different from others that may have more varied readings.

It is worth noting that 掻く is often written in hiragana (かく) in informal texts, but knowing its kanji helps to better understand its meaning. To memorize it, one tip is to associate the hand radical with the action of scratching – something we do precisely with our hands.

Cultural use and frequency in Japanese

In Japan, 掻く is a commonly used word, especially in informal situations. Scratching one's head, for example, is a gesture that can indicate doubt or embarrassment, something that even appears in mangas and animes to convey emotions. It is a verb that typically does not have negative connotations, unless the context involves something like scratching surfaces improperly.

Although it is not as frequent as verbs like する (suru - to do) or 見る (miru - to see), 掻く (kaku - to scratch) appears regularly in dialogues and descriptions. Its use is more concentrated in physical situations, which makes it less versatile, but still important for those who want to speak Japanese naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 掻く

掻く - dictionary form
掻きます - Polished form
掻いた - past form
掻こう conditional form
掻くでしょう - Probable form

Synonyms and similar words

掘る (horu) - dig
掘り起こす (horiokosu) - Uncover
掘り出す (horidasu) - Extract or unearth (something valuable)
掘り返す (horikaesu) - Turn over or dig again
掘り出し物にする (horidashimono ni suru) - Become a great discovery (item unearthed)
掘り出し物 (horidashimono) - A great discovery (item valuable found)
掘り出し (horidashi) - The act of unearthing or finding something valuable
掘り出すこと (horidasu koto) - The act of extracting or unearthing something valuable.
掘り起こすこと (horiokosu koto) - The act of digging up
掘り返すこと (horikaesu koto) - The act of turning over or digging again
掘ること (horu koto) - The act of digging
掘り出し物を探す (horidashimono o sagasu) - Search for a great discovery
掘り出し物を見つける (horidashimono o mitsukeru) - Find a great discovery
掘り出し物を掘り出す (horidashimono o horidasu) - Uncovering a great discovery
掘り出し物を見つけ出す (horidashimono o mitsukedasu) - Discover a great discovery
掘り出し物を見つけること (horidashimono o mitsukeru koto) - The act of making a great discovery
掘り出し物を掘り出すこと (horidashimono o horidasu koto) - The act of unearthing a great discovery
掘り出し物を見つけ出すこと (horidashimono o mitsukedasu koto) - The act of making a great discovery