Translation and Meaning of: 激しい - hageshii

The Japanese word 激しい [はげしい] is a term that carries intense and often contradictory meanings. If you are looking to understand its usage, translation, or origin, this article will explore everything you need to know about it. We will cover its basic meaning to how it appears in Japanese culture, including tips for memorization and practical examples. Here at Suki Nihongo, our aim is to provide accurate and useful information for students and enthusiasts of the Japanese language.

激しい is an adjective that can describe anything from strong emotions to extreme natural phenomena. Its usage is frequent in everyday life and in the media, but it can also cause confusion due to its wide range of meanings. In this text, we will uncover how and when to use it correctly, as well as explore its relationship with Japanese society.

Meaning and translation of 激しい: intense, fierce.

激しい is generally translated as "intense," "violent," or "fierce." However, its meaning can vary depending on the context. In emotional situations, it can describe extreme passion or anger. In natural phenomena, such as storms, it indicates strength or severity. This versatility makes it an essential word for those studying Japanese.

An interesting detail is that 激しい is not limited to negative aspects. It can be used to praise someone who is intensely dedicated to a hobby or work. This duality emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which the word appears, avoiding misinterpretations.

Origin and writing of the kanji 激

The kanji 激 is composed of three main elements: 氵(water), 白(white), and 攵(attack). This combination suggests an idea of violent movement, like waves crashing forcefully. The etymology reflects well the meaning of the word, as 激しい often describes actions or sensations that "hit" with intensity.

It is worth noting that 激 is an advanced-level kanji, often found in words like 激怒 (explosion of anger) or 激戦 (intense battle). Its water radical (氵) appears in other terms related to movement, such as 流れる (to flow), showing a connection between water and force in the Japanese language.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

激しい is a common word in news about natural disasters, such as typhoons or earthquakes. However, it also appears in positive contexts, like in sports or competitions, where it describes the fast pace of a match. This duality makes it widely used in everyday life, both in informal conversations and in formal records.

In Japanese media, especially in animes and dramas, 激しい is often associated with action scenes or emotional conflicts. Characters described as 激しい tend to be passionate or determined, traits that are valued in Japanese narratives. Observing these uses can help solidify the meaning of the word in a more natural way.

Tips for memorizing 激しい

An effective way to remember 激しい is to associate it with extreme situations. Think of a "violent" storm or a "heated" argument. Creating exaggerated mental images helps to reinforce the meaning of the word. Another strategy is to practice with short phrases, like 激しい雨 (heavy rain) or 激しい感情 (intense emotion).

In addition, paying attention to the kanji 激 can facilitate learning. Remembering that it contains elements of water and movement reinforces the idea of something that "hits with force." This technique is especially useful for those who are already familiar with other kanjis composed of similar radicals.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

激烈 (gekiretsu) - Extreme intensity in conflict or competition situations.
激しい (hageshii) - Intense or violent; it can refer to emotions, actions, or natural phenomena.
強烈 (kyouretsu) - Strong and striking; used to describe powerful feelings or sensations.
激痛 (gekitou) - Intense pain; refers to sharp and severe pain.
激動 (gekidou) - Intense movement; often related to rapid and drastic changes.
激戦 (gekisen) - Intense conflict; refers to tough battles or competitions.
激増 (gekizou) - Drastic increase; used in quantitative contexts.
激怒 (gekiido) - Intense fury; an extreme form of anger.
激励 (gekirei) - Intense incentive; strong motivation for action or performance.
激化 (gekika) - Intensification; refers to the increase in the severity of a situation or conflict.
激流 (gekiyuu) - Strong current; refers to turbulent and agitated waters.
激変 (gekihen) - Drastic change; indicates significant and sudden alterations.
激発 (gekihatsu) - Intense explosion; can refer to physical or emotional reactions.
激突 (gekitotsu) - Intense collision; used in contexts of physical impacts or conflicts.
激減 (gekigen) - Drastic reduction; refers to a significant decrease in quantities.
激震 (gekishin) - Intense earthquake; it may refer to a strong tremor or shock.
激務 (gekimu) - Exhausting work; a reference to very tiring and demanding tasks.
激劇 (geki-geki) - Intense drama; used in artistic contexts for strong emotional scenes.
激烈な (gekiretsu na) - In an intense way; an adjective used to describe actions or emotions.
激しいです (hageshii desu) - It is intense; used to express intensity in a polite way.
激しい風 (hageshii kaze) - Strong wind; refers to strong and severe winds.
激しい痛み (hageshii itami) - Intense pain; pain that is sharp and severe.
激しい戦い (hageshii tatakai) - Intense battle; refers to fierce conflicts or vigorous fights.
激しい競争 (hageshii kyousou) - Intense competition; refers to big and fierce disputes.
激しい疲れ (hageshii tsukare) - Intense fatigue; a state of severe exhaustion.
激しい雨 (hageshii ame) - Heavy rains; rain that is characterized by being very strong.
激しい熱 (hageshii netsu) - High fever; refers to high body temperatures.
激しい病 (hageshii byou) - Intense illness; indicates a severe medical condition.

Related words

夕立

yuudachi

(night) sudden shower (rain)

猛烈

mouretsu

violent; vehement; anger

甚だしい

hanahadashii

extreme; excessive; terrible; intense; serious; severe; tremendous; heavy (damage)

強烈

kyouretsu

strong; intense; serious

急激

kyuugeki

sudden; precipitate; radical

激しい

Romaji: hageshii
Kana: はげしい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: violent; vehement; intense; furious; stormy

Meaning in English: violent;vehement;intense;furious;tempestuous

Definition: To have a very strong force or degree. Intense.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (激しい) hageshii

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (激しい) hageshii:

Example Sentences - (激しい) hageshii

See below some example sentences:

濠を巡る戦いは激しい。

Gō wo meguru tatakai wa hageshii

The battle around the moat is intense.

濠 (gou) - fossil
を (wo) - object particle
巡る (meguru) - surround, encircle
戦い (tatakai) - battle, fight
は (wa) - Topic particle
激しい (hageshii) - Intenso, violento

この山の道は起伏が激しいですね。

Kono yama no michi wa kifuku ga hageshii desu ne

This mountain road is intensely wavy.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
山 - noun that means "mountain"
の - particle indicating possession, in this case, "of the mountain"
道 - noun that means "path"
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the path of the mountain"
起伏 - noun that means "ups and downs"
が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "the ups and downs"
激しい - Adjective that means "intense" or "strong"
です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the sentence
ね - particle that indicates the expectation of confirmation or agreement from the listener, in this case, "isn't it?"