Translation and Meaning of: 渡す - watasu

The Japanese word 「渡す」 (watasu) is a verb that, in its basic form, means "to deliver" or "to pass." This word is widely used in contexts referring to the action of transferring something from one person to another. The etymology of 「渡す」 is related to the Kanji 「渡」 which, in its structure, carries the radical 「氵」 (which symbolizes water) on the left. This radical suggests a historical connection with the concept of passing something through water, like a crossing.

The Kanji 「渡」 comprises elements that symbolize "transit" or "changing place." It refers to an image of crossing rivers, a strongly present aspect in Japanese geography and culture. This original understanding of the Kanji contributes to the evolution of the meaning of moving something from one point to another, whether material or immaterial, such as ideas or messages.

In everyday life, the use of the verb 「渡す」 can vary significantly, ranging from the act of handing over objects, such as a key or a gift, to the metaphor of passing responsibilities or information. This flexibility of use makes the expression valued in various social and professional situations. Furthermore, like many Japanese verbs, 「渡す」 can be conjugated in various forms to indicate respect, continuity, or negation, further enriching its use in daily language.

From a cultural perspective, the act of handing over is something significant in Japan, symbolizing not only the physical act of transfer but also often denoting a relationship of trust and mutual respect between the parties. Thus, understanding and correctly applying the verb 「渡す」 in the Japanese language goes beyond linguistic mastery; it also involves an understanding of the social and cultural context in which it is used.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 渡す

• 渡す - base form
• 渡します - Polite/formal way
• 渡さない - negative form
• 渡しました - past form

Synonyms and similar words

• 渡る (wataru) - pass through
• 送る (okuru) - send, dispatch
• 与える (ataeru) - provide, give (especially in the context of offering something to someone)
• 伝える (tsutaeru) - transmit, communicate (a message or information)
• 届ける (todokeru) - deliver (to something or someone, usually in a shipping context)

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渡す

Romaji: watasu
Kana: わたす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: to pass; to deliver

Meaning in English: to pass over;to hand over

Definition: To deliver or receive something or someone.

Example Sentences - (渡す) watasu

See below some example sentences:

私は彼にプレゼントを渡す予定です。

Watashi wa kare ni purezento o watasu yotei desu

I plan to give him a gift.

I will give him a gift.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 彼 - personal pronoun meaning "he"
• に - particle indicating the recipient of the action, in this case "for him"
• プレゼント - noun meaning "gift"
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case "the present"
• 渡す - verb meaning "to deliver"
• 予定 - Noun that means "plan" or "schedule"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence