Translation and Meaning of: 機 - hata

The Japanese word 機[はた] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries meanings and uses that go beyond the obvious. If you are looking to understand its meaning, origin, or application in sentences, this article will explore all of this in a clear and practical way. Furthermore, we will look at how this word is perceived in everyday Japanese, its frequency of use, and even tips for memorizing it correctly.

Whether you are a Japanese student or just someone curious about languages, understanding 機[はた] can be useful for both learning and everyday communication. Let's explore its writing in kanji and examples of how it appears in real contexts, always based on reliable sources and verified information.

Meaning and use of 機[はた]

The term 機[はた] is often associated with the meaning of "machine" or "device," but its usage can vary depending on the context. In some situations, it can also refer to a loom, especially in older or technical expressions. This duality of meanings demonstrates how a single word can have different layers of interpretation in Japanese.

In everyday life, 機[はた] appears in compound words such as 飛行機 (ひこうき - airplane) or 洗濯機 (せんたくき - washing machine), reinforcing its connection to mechanical equipment. However, when used alone, it may require a bit more attention to avoid confusion. Its kanji, 機, is also common in other terms related to mechanisms and opportunities, which helps to understand its semantic breadth.

Origin and writing of the kanji 機

The etymology of 機[はた] dates back to ancient Chinese, where the character 機 already represented concepts related to mechanisms and critical moments. This kanji is composed of the radical 木 (wood) combined with other elements that suggest movement and precision, reflecting its association with well-crafted devices. This composition helps to understand why it is used for both machines and abstract concepts like "opportunity."

It is worth noting that the reading はた is less common than others, such as き, but it still appears in certain specific contexts. Studying its different readings and applications can be a differentiator for those who want to master Japanese more deeply. The kanji itself is considered intermediate level, often found in study materials for the JLPT N3 or N2.

Tips for memorizing and using 機[はた]

An effective way to memorize 機[はた] is to associate it with compound words that you already know, such as 織機 (しょっき - loom) or 機会 (きかい - opportunity). This method helps to create mental connections that facilitate the memorization of both the kanji and its readings. Another strategy is to practice with short sentences that include the term, always checking the context to avoid incorrect usages.

Interestingly, the kanji 機 also appears in modern terms such as 機密 (きみつ - confidential) or 機能 (きのう - function), showing its versatility. Noticing these patterns can accelerate your learning and make studying more intuitive. If you use apps like Suki Nihongo, you can also find practical examples and audio that reinforce the correct pronunciation in different situations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 器 (Uki) - Container, utensil, also used to refer to a person's capacity or ability.
• マシン (Mashīn) - Machine generally refers to mechanical or electronic equipment.
• デバイス (Debaisu) - Device, common in technology, refers to electronic devices or gadgets.
• ツール (Tūru) - Tool, generally used in manual or technical work contexts.
• 装置 (Sōchi) - Equipment that can include both machines and more complex installations.
• 機械 (Kikai) - Mechanism refers to more complex structures that perform a specific task, such as industrial machines.

機

Romaji: hata
Kana: はた
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: loom

Meaning in English: loom

Definition: Machine (Hata, Hataki): A device for stirring using human force or machinery.

Example Sentences - (機) hata

See below some example sentences:

国会は重要な政治的機関です。

Kokkai wa juuyou na seijiteki kikan desu

Parliament is an important political institution.

Diet is an important political organization.

• 国会 - parliament
• は - Topic particle
• 重要な - important
• 政治的 - political
• 機関 - institution
• です - is

墜落した飛行機の犠牲者に哀悼の意を表します。

Tsuiraku shita hikouki no giseisha ni aidou no i wo hyou shimasu

We express our condolences to the victims of the crashed plane.

Express the condolences to the victims of the rugged plane.

• 墜落した飛行機 - plane crash
• の - Possession particle
• 犠牲者 - victims
• に - target particle
• 哀悼の意を表します - we express our condolences

官庁は政府の中枢機関です。

Kanchō wa seifu no chūsō kikan desu

The government is a central government agency.

• 官庁 - government agency
• は - Topic particle
• 政府 - government
• の - Possession particle
• 中枢機関 - central body
• です - verb to be in the polite form

彼女の機嫌が悪い。

Kanojo no kigen ga warui

She is in a bad mood.

• 彼女 - Means "girlfriend" or "she" in Japanese.
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 機嫌 - means "mood" or "state of mind" in Japanese.
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 悪い - means "bad" in Japanese.

映写機を使って映画を見ました。

Eishaki ki wo tsukatte eiga wo mimashita

I watched a movie using a projector.

I watched a movie using a projector.

• 映写機 - projector
• を - direct object particle
• 使って - using
• 映画 - movie
• を - direct object particle
• 見ました - watched

機関車が鉄道を走っています。

Kikansha ga tetsudō o hashitte imasu

A locomotive is running on the railway.

• 機関車 - locomotive
• が - subject particle
• 鉄道 - Railroad
• を - direct object particle
• 走っています - is running

機械は人間の手を助けるものです。

Kikai wa ningen no te o tasukeru mono desu

Machines are made to help human hands.

Machines help human hands.

• 機械 - machine
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human
• の - Possessive particle
• 手 - hand
• を - direct object particle
• 助ける - to help
• もの - thing
• です - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

歯車がうまくかみ合わないと機械は動かない。

Haguruma ga umaku kamiawanai to kikai wa ugokanai

If the gears do not fit well

If the gears are not involved well, the machine will not work.

• 歯車 (haguruma) - gear
• が (ga) - subject particle
• うまく (umaku) - skillfully, well
• かみ合わない (kamiawanai) - not fitting in, not adjusting
• と (to) - conditional particle
• 機械 (kikai) - machine
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 動かない (ugokanai) - not moving, not working

私は飛行機を操縦することができます。

Watashi wa hikouki wo soujuu suru koto ga dekimasu

I can fly a plane.

I can control the plane.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - topic particle, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "I"
• 飛行機 - noun "plane"
• を - direct object particle, indicating that "plane" is the direct object of the action
• 操縦する - verb "pilot"
• ことができます - expression that indicates the ability or possibility of doing something

議会は国の重要な機関です。

Gikai wa kuni no juuyou na kikan desu

Parliament is an important institution in the country.

Congress is an important institution in the country.

• 議会 - Legislative Assembly
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - Country
• の - Possessive particle
• 重要な - Important
• 機関 - institution
• です - verb ser (polite form)