Translation and Meaning of: 滝 - taki

If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, you may have come across the word 滝[たき]. It appears in various contexts, from descriptions of landscapes to names of places and even in cultural expressions. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and use of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it and curiosities about its presence in Japan.

The meaning and writing of 滝[たき]

The word 滝[たき] means "waterfall." The kanji 滝 is composed of the water radical (氵) combined with the character 龍, which suggests something grand or powerful. This combination effectively reflects the image of an impressive waterfall, common in the mountainous landscapes of Japan.

In terms of pronunciation, たき (taki) is the kun'yomi reading, while the less common on'yomi reading is ろう (rou). It is worth noting that this kanji can also be read as "taki" in proper nouns, such as in 滝川 (Takigawa), a Japanese surname.

Everyday and cultural use

In daily life, the Japanese use 滝 to refer to natural waterfalls, which are common in the country due to its rugged terrain. Famous places like the Kegon Falls (華厳の滝) or Nachi Falls (那智の滝) attract tourists and pilgrims, showcasing the cultural importance of these natural formations.

Furthermore, the word appears in expressions such as 滝のように汗をかく (taki no you ni ase o kaku), which means "to sweat like a waterfall," used to describe someone who is sweating a lot. This type of metaphor reinforces how nature is present in the Japanese linguistic imagination.

Tips for memorizing the kanji 滝

An effective way to remember the kanji 滝 is to associate its water radical (氵) with the meaning of waterfall. Visualizing the "water" flowing down a vertical drop can help reinforce the writing. Another tip is to practice with compound words, such as 滝壺 (takitsubo), which means "waterfall basin."

For those who use apps like Anki, creating cards with images of waterfalls next to the kanji can be helpful. Spaced repetition, combined with visual associations, facilitates long-term memorization.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 瀑布 (bakufu) - Waterfall or waterfall with a large volume.
• 水瀑 (suibaku) - Waterfall; refers to a specific waterfall.
• 大瀑布 (dai bakufu) - Great waterfall; a large waterfall.
• 滝 (taki) - Waterfall; a general term used to refer to waterfalls.
• 滝壺 (takitsubo) - Waterfall pool; the area where the water falls and collects.
• 滝流 (takiryuu) - Flow of a waterfall; reference to the watercourse of the fall.
• 滝の音 (taki no oto) - Sound of the waterfall; the noise produced by the water falling.
• 滝登り (taki nobori) - Climbing a waterfall; the act of ascending a waterfall.

滝

Romaji: taki
Kana: たき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: waterfall

Meaning in English: waterfall

Definition: A natural landscape where flowing water drops suddenly at different heights.