Translation and Meaning of: 書く - kaku

The Japanese word 書く[かく] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language, as it means "to write." Whether to jot down ideas, fill out forms, or simply practice calligraphy, understanding its meaning, origin, and use in everyday Japanese is fundamental. In this article, we will explore everything from the composition of the kanji to practical tips for memorizing it, as well as curiosities about how it is perceived by native speakers.

Meaning and usage of 書く

The verb 書く is used in everyday situations that involve writing, whether by hand or digitally. It can appear in formal contexts, such as filling out documents, or informal ones, like jotting down a note. Unlike other terms that involve textual creation, such as 描く (to draw), 書く is directly related to the writing of words and texts.

An interesting fact is that, although Japan is a country with a strong calligraphic tradition, the use of 書く is not limited to artistic writing. It is as common as the verb "to write," appearing in everyday conversations, school materials, and even in instructions for electronic devices.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 書 is composed of the radical 聿 (fude), which represents a writing brush, combined with 者 (person). This structure suggests the idea of "someone who uses the brush," reinforcing its connection to writing. According to the Kangorin dictionary, this character originated in ancient China and was adapted to Japanese with the same meaning.

It is worth noting that 書く is one of the first kanjis learned by students, precisely because of its practical utility. Its kun'yomi reading (かく) is the most common, but it can also be read as "sho" in compounds, such as 辞書 (jisho – dictionary). This duality of readings is an important aspect for those who want to master its usage.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 書く is to associate it with concrete actions. For example, when picking up a notebook to jot down something, mentally repeat "書く". This contextual association technique helps to memorize not only the meaning but also the pronunciation and the kanji.

Another tip is to pay attention to the compounds in which 書 appears, such as 読書 (reading) or 書道 (calligraphy). These words show how the radical connects to other concepts related to writing. In Suki Nihongo, you can find real examples of sentences with 書く to practice in various contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 書く

• 書く - Conjugation in affirmative present base form
• 書かない - Negative present conjugation
• 書いた - Past tense conjugation
• 書きます - Formal present affirmative conjugation
• 書きません - Formal negative present conjugation
• 書こう - Conjugation in the conditional or volitive form

Synonyms and similar words

• 記す (Kisusu) - Register, note down
• 筆する (Hitsu suru) - Write, use a pen or brush
• 書き記す (Kakishirusu) - Write and record, note something in detail.
• 筆記する (Hikki suru) - Take notes, write with a pen
• 下書きする (Shita-gaki suru) - Make a sketch, draft
• 筆を執る (Fude o toru) - Hold the pen, start writing.
• 書き込む (Kakikomu) - Fill in, write in a designated space
• 筆をとる (Fude o toru) - Start writing, grab the pen
• 筆を走らせる (Fude o hashiraseru) - Let the pen flow, write fluently.
• 筆を運ぶ (Fude o hakobu) - Transport the pen, move to write

書く

Romaji: kaku
Kana: かく
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: write

Meaning in English: to write

Definition: Something created by writing letters or symbols on paper or other surfaces with a brush or pencil.

Example Sentences - (書く) kaku

See below some example sentences:

符号を使って文章を書くことができます。

Fugou wo tsukatte bunshou wo kaku koto ga dekimasu

You can write sentences using a sign.

• 符号 (fugō) - symbol
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 使って (tsukatte) - using
• 文章 (bunshō) - text, writing
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 書く (kaku) - write
• こと (koto) - Nominalizer noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• できます (dekimasu) - to be able to, can

見出しを書くのは大変です。

Mitsukeshi wo kaku no wa taihen desu

Writing a title is difficult.

It's hard to write a headline.

• 見出し - Title
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• 書く - Write
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 大変 - Difficult, laborious
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present
• . - Period

詩を書くことは私の人生の喜びです。

Shi wo kaku koto wa watashi no jinsei no yorokobi desu

Writing poetry is the joy of my life.

• 詩 (shi) - poetry
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 書く (kaku) - write
• こと (koto) - noun maker
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 人生 (jinsei) - life
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 喜び (yorokobi) - joy
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

宛名を書いてください。

Atena wo kaite kudasai

Please write recipient.

Please write the address.

• 宛名 - Recipient's name and address
• を - object particle
• 書いて - Form of the verb "escrever" in the imperative
• ください - Expression of a polite request or solicitation

この欄には名前を書いてください。

Kono ran ni wa namae wo kaite kudasai

Please write your name in this field.

Write the name in this column.

• この欄 - This field
• には - indicates where the action should take place
• 名前 - Name
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 書いてください - please write

この手紙はあなた宛に書いています。

Kono tegami wa anata ate ni kaite imasu

This letter is written for you.

This letter was written for you.

• この手紙 - "kono tegami" - this letter
• は - wa- Topic particle
• あなた - "you" - you
• 宛に - "ate ni" - for
• 書いています - "kaite imasu" - is being written

私は書斎で勉強します。

Watashi wa shosai de benkyou shimasu

I study in my office.

I study in the study.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 書斎 (shosai) - noun meaning "office" or "study room"
• で (de) - Particle that indicates the place where the action occurs
• 勉強 (benkyou) - noun that means "study" or "learning"
• します (shimasu) - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"

私は毎日日記を書きます。

Watashi wa mainichi nikki wo kakimasu

I write a diary every day.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
• 日記 (nikki) - noun meaning "diary"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 書きます (kakimasu) - Verb meaning "to write"