Translation and Meaning of: 歩く - aruku

The Japanese word 歩く [あるく] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language, meaning "to walk" or "to go". If you've ever wondered about the origin of this term, how it is used in everyday life, or even how to memorize it efficiently, this article will guide you through these points. Also, we will explore the kanji pictogram, cultural curiosities, and even tips to remember the meaning. And if you use Anki or another spaced repetition system, you will find useful sentences to practice.

The interesting thing about 歩く is that it appears in everyday situations, from casual conversations to formal instructions. Many people search on Google not only for the translation but also for the etymology and how to differentiate it from other movement verbs. Is there a trick to remember this kanji? Or do the Japanese use this word in unexpected ways? Let's find out together!

Etymology and Origin of the Kanji 歩

The kanji 歩 is composed of two radicals: 止 (stop) and 少 (little). Together, they create the idea of "short and paused steps," which makes perfect sense for the meaning of walk. Originally, in ancient China, this character represented the act of moving forward slowly, almost like a meditative movement. Over time, the Japanese adopted the kanji, and the sound あるく (aruku) became associated with it.

A curiosity is that, in feudal Japan, the word 歩く was used not only to describe the physical act of walking, but also to indicate progress in a spiritual or intellectual journey. Today, the term retains this nuance of continuous movement, whether literal or figurative. Have you ever stopped to think how a simple verb can carry so much history?

Lies in Japanese Everyday Life

In daily life, Japanese people use 歩く in various contexts. From simple situations like "公園を歩く" (walking in the park) to more idiomatic expressions like "道を歩む" (following a path in life). Unlike Portuguese, where "andar" can have broader meanings, in Japanese this verb is more specific to walking, without including other means of transportation.

A valuable tip is to pay attention to how 歩く appears on signs and urban indications. In train stations, for example, you might see sentences like "Please walk on the right side." This type of practical use helps to reinforce vocabulary and understand the importance of the verb in the social organization of Japan. Have you ever imagined if Brazil had such clear rules for pedestrians?

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

To remember the kanji 歩, an effective technique is to visualize it as a foot (止) taking small steps (少). Another strategy is to associate it with compound words like 散歩 [さんぽ] (walk) or 歩行者 [ほこうしゃ] (pedestrian). These connections make memorization easier and organically expand your vocabulary.

And here’s a cultural curiosity: in Kyoto, there is an expression called "歩き巫女" (walking miko), which refers to young priestesses who walk through the temples during Shinto rituals. This is an example of how 歩く (to walk) is rooted not only in the language but also in Japanese traditions. How about trying to use this verb the next time you describe your route to the bakery?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 歩く

• 歩く - base form
• 歩かない - Negative
• 歩いた - simple past
• 歩いている - Present Continuous
• 歩くだろう - Future
• 歩け - imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 歩行する (hokou suru) - to walk
• 歩みを進める (ayumi o susumeru) - advance
• 歩みを進む (ayumi o susumu) - continue
• 歩む (ayumu) - to walk
• 歩き回る (aruki mawaru) - walk around
• 歩き続ける (aruki tsuzukeru) - keep walking
• 歩き通す (aruki toosu) - walk to the end
• 歩行 (hokou) - walk
• 歩み (ayumi) - step
• 歩幅 (ahaba) - step width
• 歩調 (hochou) - walking rhythm
• 歩数 (hoosu) - number of steps
• 歩容 (hoyou) - posture while walking
• 歩姿 (hoda) - way of walking
• 歩様 (buyou) - Maneira de andar
• 歩行様式 (hokou youshiki) - walking style
• 歩行方法 (hokou houhou) - walking method
• 歩行技術 (hokou gijutsu) - walking technique
• 歩行能力 (hokou nouryoku) - walking ability
• 歩行機能 (hokou kinou) - walking function
• 歩行訓練 (hokou kunren) - walking training
• 歩行療法 (hokou ryouhou) - walking therapy
• 歩行改善 (hokou kaizen) - improvement of walking

歩く

Romaji: aruku
Kana: あるく
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: to walk

Meaning in English: to walk

Definition: Move using your feet.

Example Sentences - (歩く) aruku

See below some example sentences:

街道を歩くのは楽しいです。

Machidō wo aruku no wa tanoshii desu

Walking on the road is fun.

• 街道 (gaidou) - Road
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 歩く (aruku) - to walk
• のは (nowa) - Topic particle
• 楽しい (tanoshii) - Fun, pleasant
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

丈夫な男性が道を歩いている。

Joufu na dansei ga michi wo aruite iru

A strong man is walking down the street.

A durable man is walking on the road.

• 丈夫な - adjective meaning "strong"
• 男性 - noun that means "man"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 道 - noun that means "path"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 歩いている - verb that means "is walking" in the present continuous

両側には歩道があります。

Ryōgawa ni wa hodō ga arimasu

There are sidewalks on both sides.

• 両側 - means "both sides" in Japanese.
• に - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the location of something.
• は - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 歩道 - It means "sidewalk" in Japanese.
• が - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• あります - It is a Japanese verb that means "to exist".

大柄な男性が道を歩いている。

Otokonoko ga michi wo aruite iru

A big man is walking down the street.

A big man is walking on the road.

• 大柄な - large
• 男性 - man
• が - subject particle
• 道 - path/street
• を - direct object particle
• 歩いている - walking (continuous form of the verb 歩く)

彼女は荷物を引きずるように歩いた。

Kanojo wa nimotsu o hikizuru yō ni aruita

She was dragging her luggage.

She walked to drag her luggage.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 荷物 (nimotsu) - luggage
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 引きずる (hikizuru) - drag
• ように (youni) - como se - as
• 歩いた (aruita) - walked

正しい道を歩きましょう。

Tadashii michi wo arukimashou

Let's walk the right way.

Let's walk the right road.

• 正しい - adjective meaning "correct" or "right"
• 道 - noun meaning "path" or "road"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 歩き - verb meaning "walk" or "walk"
• ましょう - suffix indicating a suggestion or invitation to do something

私たちはぶらぶらと歩いていました。

Watashitachi wa burabura to aruite imashita

We were walking aimlessly.

We were walking around.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• ぶらぶら - adverb that means "wandering aimlessly" in Japanese
• と - connection particle in Japanese
• 歩いていました - verb "andar" conjugated in the past continuous tense in Japanese

突き当たるまで歩き続けた。

Tsukiataru made aruki tsuzuketa

I continued to walk until I reached the end of the street.

I kept walking until you hit it.

• 突き当たる - verb meaning "to collide with something", "to hit something"
• まで - particle indicating "until"
• 歩き続けた - compound verb meaning "kept walking"