Translation and Meaning of: 格 - kaku

The Japanese word 格[かく] is a versatile and interesting term, present in various contexts of the language. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the meaning and use of this word, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore its translation and origin, as well as practical examples of how it appears in everyday life. Additionally, we will understand how the Japanese perceive this word and what its most common applications are.

Meaning and translation of 格[かく]

格[かく] can be translated in various ways, depending on the context in which it is used. In general, it conveys the idea of "status," "position," "level," or even "standard." For example, in compound words like 資格[しかく] (qualification) or 性格[せいかく] (personality), we notice how the concept of "position" or "nature" is present.

It is worth noting that 格 also appears in expressions that indicate hierarchy or classification, such as 格差 [かくさ] (status difference). This flexibility makes it a useful word in both formal and informal conversations, although it is not as commonly used as other more everyday terms.

Origin and writing of the kanji 格

The kanji 格 is composed of the radical 木 (wood) and the component 各 (each). Originally, in ancient China, this character was associated with the idea of "structure" or "wooden frame," later evolving to mean "standard" or "model." Over time, in Japan, it gained more abstract connotations, such as "status" or "condition."

An interesting fact is that 格 can also be read as "kaku" in other contexts, such as in 格闘[かくとう] (close combat). This variation in reading is common in kanjis with multiple meanings, so it's always good to pay attention to the context in which the word appears.

How to memorize and use 格 [かく] in daily life

One tip for memorizing this word is to associate it with terms we already know in Portuguese, such as "grid" or "pattern". For example, think of "grid" as a structure that defines boundaries — just as 格 can define a level or position. Another strategy is to create flashcards with compound words that use 格, such as 価格[かかく] (price) or 格式[かくしき] (formality).

In everyday life, 格[かく] appears frequently in discussions about social hierarchy, product quality, or even performance analysis. If you watch anime or Japanese dramas, you may have heard phrases like "あの店は格が違う" (that restaurant has a different level), showing how the term is used to compare status or quality.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 規格 (Kikaku) - Technical specification or standard norm.
• 標準 (Hyoujun) - Standard or norm that serves as a reference.
• 基準 (Kijun) - Criterion or basis for evaluation or comparison.
• 規範 (Kihan) - Standard or guideline that guides behaviors or practices.
• 規定 (Kitei) - Regulation or provision that establishes rules.

格

Romaji: kaku
Kana: かく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: state; character; case

Meaning in English: status;character;case

Definition: Patterns and standards for dealing with things and people.

Example Sentences - (格) kaku

See below some example sentences:

価格と品質が釣り合う商品を探しています。

Kakaku to hinshitsu ga tsuriau shouhin wo sagashiteimasu

I'm looking for a product where price and quality are in balance.

I'm looking for a product where price and quality are balanced.

• 価格 - (price)
• と - (e)
• 品質 - (quality)
• が - (subject particle)
• 釣り合う - (balance)
• 商品 - (product)
• を - (direct object particle)
• 探しています - (searching)

価格を下げる必要がある。

Kakaku wo sageru hitsuyou ga aru

The price needs to be reduced.

You need to lower the price.

• 価格 (kakaku) - price
• を (wo) - object particle
• 下げる (sageru) - reduce, lower
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - need
• が (ga) - subject particle
• ある (aru) - exist

便宜な価格で提供します。

Beni na kakaku de teikyo shimasu

We offer affordable prices.

We offer at a convenient price.

• 便宜な - adjective meaning "convenient", "favorable", "advantageous".
• 価格 - noun meaning "price".
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done.
• 提供します - verb meaning "to offer", "to provide", "to make available".

原油の価格が上がった。

Genshi no kakaku ga agatta

The price of gross oil increased.

• 原油 - crude oil
• の - Possession particle
• 価格 - price
• が - subject particle
• 上がった - Subiu

彼は失格者だ。

Kare wa shikkakusha da

He is disqualified.

He is disqualified.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 失格者 - Japanese noun that means "disqualified" or "unfit"
• だ - auxiliary Japanese verb that indicates that the sentence is in the present and affirmative - "is"

彼女は活発な性格です。

Kanojo wa kappatsu na seikaku desu

She has an active personality.

She has a lively personality.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 活発な (kappatsu na) - Ativo, enérgico
• 性格 (seikaku) - personality
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

手頃な価格の商品を探しています。

tegoro na kakaku no shouhin wo sagashiteimasu

I am looking for affordable products.

I'm looking for affordable products.

• 手頃な - affordable, reasonable
• 価格 - price
• の - particle indicating possession or connection
• 商品 - product, merchandise
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 探しています - searching

格が高い店に行きたいです。

Kaku ga takai mise ni ikitai desu Translation: I want to go to a high

end store.

I want to go to a high-ranking store.

• 格が高い - means "of high quality" or "of high level".
• 店 - means "store" or "establishment".
• に - It's a particle that indicates the direction or the target of the action.
• 行きたい - it is a form of the verb "to go" in the present tense and indicates desire or will.
• です - It is a polite way to end a sentence in Japanese, equivalent to "please" or "thank you" in Portuguese.

温和な性格を持っています。

Onwa na seikaku wo motte imasu

I have a gentle personality.

I have a light personality.

• 温和な - friendly, gentle, soft
• 性格 - personality, character
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

男は強い性格を持っています。

Otoko wa tsuyoi seikaku o motte imasu

Men have strong personalities.

The man has a strong personality.

• 男 - means "man" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "man."
• 強い - adjective that means "strong".
• 性格 - noun that means "personality".
• を - object particle that indicates that "personality" is the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っています - verb meaning "to have".