Translation and Meaning of: 毒 - doku

The Japanese word 毒[どく] (doku) is a term that carries deep meanings and various uses in the language. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about this expression, understanding its meaning, origin, and applications can be quite useful. In this article, we will explore from the basic translation to the cultural context in which it appears, including practical examples and tips for memorization.

Toxic is often associated with something dangerous or harmful, but its use goes beyond the literal sense. It appears in everyday expressions, proverbs, and even in Japanese media, such as animes and mangas. If you want to know how the Japanese perceive this word and how to use it correctly, keep reading!

Meaning and translation of 毒 (doku)

The most direct translation of 毒 is "poison" or "toxin," referring to substances that can cause harm or even death. However, its meaning can extend metaphorically to things that are harmful in other ways, such as negative influences or toxic thoughts. For example, 毒親 (dokushin) means "toxic parents," a term used to describe abusive family relationships.

In some contexts, 毒 can also be used more lightly, as in 毒舌 (dokuzetsu), which means "sharp tongue" or "sarcastic comments." This shows how the word can vary between literal and figurative meanings depending on the situation. If you are learning Japanese, it is important to pay attention to these different uses to avoid misunderstandings.

Origin and writing of the kanji 毒

The kanji 毒 is composed of two main elements: the radical 毋 (which represents "not" or "prohibition") and the component 母 (which means "mother"). This combination suggests something that should not be consumed or that is dangerous, reinforcing the idea of poison. The origin of the character dates back to ancient China, where it was used to describe harmful substances.

It is worth noting that, although the radical 毋 appears in other kanjis related to prohibitions, such as 毎 (every day), in 毒 it has a more specific function. If you are trying to memorize this kanji, a tip is to associate it with the idea of something that should be avoided, like a warning of danger.

Cultural use and frequency in Japanese

In Japan, 毒 is a word that appears quite frequently, both in everyday conversations and in the media. In animes and manga, for example, it is common to see characters using poisons or being described as "toxic" in their personalities. The expression 毒を食らわば皿まで (doku o kuraba sara made), which means "if you eat poison, eat it until the plate," is a proverb that illustrates the idea of going all the way, even in dangerous situations.

In addition, the word is also used in lighter contexts, such as in 毒だし (dokudashi), which refers to "detoxify" or "eliminate impurities." This shows how Japanese can transform an initially negative term into something with more positive connotations, depending on the context. If you want to sound more natural when speaking Japanese, understanding these nuances is essential.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 有毒 (Yūdoku) - Toxic
• 中毒 (Chūdoku) - Intoxication
• 毒薬 (Dokuyaku) - Venom
• 毒素 (Dokusо) - Toxin
• 毒性 (Dokusеi) - Toxicity
• 毒物 (Doku-butsu) - Toxic substance
• 毒気 (Dokkі) - Toxic atmosphere
• 毒性物質 (Dokusеi busshitsu) - Toxic material
• 毒性作用 (Dokusеi sayō) - Toxic effect
• 毒性反応 (Dokusеi hannō) - Toxic reaction
• 毒性症状 (Dokusеi shōjō) - Toxic symptom
• 毒性影響 (Dokusеi eikyō) - Toxic effects
• 毒性障害 (Dokusеi shōgai) - Toxic disorder
• 毒性疾患 (Doku-sei shikkan) - Toxic disease
• 毒性病 (Doku-sei byō) - Disease caused by toxins
• 毒性病原体 (Dokusеi byōgentai) - Toxic pathogenic agent

毒

Romaji: doku
Kana: どく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: poison; toxic

Meaning in English: poison;toxicant

Definition: Harmful and dangerous substances.

Example Sentences - (毒) doku

See below some example sentences:

消毒は大切です。

Shōdoku wa taisetsu desu

Disinfection is important.

Disinfection is important.

• 消毒 (shōdoku) - disinfection
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

中毒にならないように注意してください。

Chūdoku ni naranai yō ni chūi shite kudasai

Please be careful not to be poisoned.

Be careful not to be addicted.

• 中毒 - means "poisoning" or "toxicity".
• に - particle indicating action or the state in which something is.
• ならない - negative form of the verb "naru", which means "to become". In this case, it indicates that something will not become something.
• ように - expression that indicates the purpose or objective of an action. In this case, it indicates that the action is to avoid something.
• 注意 - means "to pay attention" or "to be careful".
• してください - an expression that indicates a polite request. In this case, it indicates that the person is asking someone else to be careful.

彼女の失恋は気の毒だ。

Kanojo no shitsuren wa ki no doku da

It is a pity that she suffered a heartbreak.

Your broken heart is sorry.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 失恋 - heartbreak in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 気の毒 - regrettable in Japanese
• だ - verb "to be" in Japanese