Translation and Meaning of: 疲れ - tsukare

The Japanese word 疲れ (tsukare) is a common term that describes a physical or mental state that we have all experienced: fatigue. Whether after a long day at work, an intense workout, or even after emotionally draining situations, 疲れ is an expression that summarizes this feeling of exhaustion. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday use, and how it relates to Japanese culture.

In addition to understanding the literal translation of 疲れ, we will see how this word is perceived in Japan, its context in everyday phrases, and even tips to memorize it effectively. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, this guide will help you understand not only the word but also its importance in Japanese communication.

Meaning and use of 疲れ

疲れ is a noun that means "tiredness" or "fatigue." It derives from the verb 疲れる (tsukareru), which means "to get tired." This word is often used in everyday contexts, from informal conversations to more formal situations. For example, someone might say 疲れが取れない (tsukare ga torenai) to express that they can't shake off their fatigue.

In Japan, recognizing and verbalizing tiredness is culturally accepted, especially in work environments where long hours are common. Unlike some Western cultures, where "being busy" may be seen as a sign of productivity, in Japan, admitting to 疲れ is a way to seek balance. This reflects values such as 我慢 (gaman, perseverance) and the importance of rest.

Origin and writing of 疲れ

The kanji 疲 is composed of the radical 疒 (which indicates illness or physical condition) and 皮 (skin). This combination suggests a relationship between physical exhaustion and the feeling of fatigue. Although the exact etymology is not entirely clear, this association helps to understand why the character was chosen to represent tiredness.

It is worth noting that 疲れ is written only in hiragana (つかれ) in some informal contexts, especially when the focus is on pronunciation or in materials for children. However, in adult and formal texts, the kanji 疲れ is predominant. Its kun'yomi reading (tsukare) is the most common, but the same kanji can also be read as "hi" in compounds such as 疲労 (hirou, fatigue).

Tips for memorizing 疲れ

An effective way to remember 疲れ is to associate it with real-life situations. For example, think about how you feel after a busy day and mentally repeat "tsukare". Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like 今日は疲れた (kyou wa tsukareta - Today I'm tired), which is a very commonly used expression in daily life.

In addition, observing the kanji 疲 can be helpful. The radical 疒 (disease) appears in other terms related to the body, such as 痛み (itami, pain). This visual connection reinforces the meaning of 疲れ as a state of physical or mental exhaustion. Practicing the writing of the kanji also helps to better fix the word in memory.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 疲労 (hirou) - Fatigue or exhaustion.
• 疲れる (tsukareru) - Feeling tired.
• 疲弊 (hihei) - State of extreme exhaustion; weakened.
• 疲れた (tsukaretai) - I am tired.
• 疲れ気味 (tsukaregimi) - A little tired.
• 疲れ目 (tsukareme) - Tired eyes.
• 疲れ感 (tsukarekan) - Feeling of tiredness.
• 疲れを感じる (tsukare o kanjiru) - Feel tired.
• 疲れを癒す (tsukare o iyasu) - Relax or heal fatigue.
• 疲れを取る (tsukare o toru) - Eliminate fatigue.
• 疲れを残す (tsukare o nokosu) - Leave fatigue.
• 疲れを溜め込む (tsukare o tamekomu) - Accumulated fatigue.
• 疲れを吹き飛ばす (tsukare o fukitobasu) - Scare away exhaustion.
• 疲れを発散する (tsukare o hassan suru) - Release the fatigue.
• 疲れを回復する (tsukare o kaifuku suru) - Recovering from fatigue.
• 疲れを解消する (tsukare o kaishou suru) - Completely eliminate fatigue.
• 疲れを忘れる (tsukare o wasureru) - Forget the fatigue.
• 疲れを引きずる (tsukare o hikizuru) - Load the fatigue.
• 疲れを軽減する (tsukare o keigen suru) - Accept fatigue with ease.
• 疲れを抱える (tsukare o kakaeru) - To be tired.
• 疲れを見せる (tsukare o miseru) - Show fatigue.
• 疲れを感じさせる (tsukare o kanjisaseru) - Make someone feel tired.

疲れ

Romaji: tsukare
Kana: つかれ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: tiredness; fatigue

Meaning in English: tiredness;fatigue

Definition: Fatigue and physical and mental exhaustion.

Example Sentences - (疲れ) tsukare

See below some example sentences:

長々と話すのは疲れる。

Naganaga to hanasu no wa tsukareru

Talking for a long time is tiring.

It's tired to talk for a long time.

• 長々と - adverb meaning "for a long time"
• 話す - verb meaning "to speak"
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 疲れる - verb meaning "to tire"

彼女は疲れ気味だ。

Kanojo wa tsukaregimi da

She looks tired.

She is tired.

• 彼女 - Japanese pronoun meaning "she"
• は - Japanese particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "she"
• 疲れ - Japanese noun meaning "tiredness"
• 気味 - Japanese suffix indicating a condition or tendency, in this case, "a little"
• だ - Japanese verb meaning "to be" or "to be", in this case in the present tense

全身が疲れている。

Zenshin ga tsukarete iru

I'm tired all over.

My whole body is tired.

• 全身 - means "the whole body"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 疲れている - it is a verb that means "to be tired"

疲れた身体を休めましょう。

Tsukareta karada wo yasumemashou

Let's rest the tired body.

Rest your tired body.

• 疲れた - tired out
• 身体 - body
• を - direct object particle
• 休めましょう - let's rest

私はげっそりと疲れています。

Watashi wa gessori to tsukarete imasu

I'm exhausted

I am tired.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• げっそり (gessori) - adverb meaning "exhausted"
• と (to) - particle indicating the connection between "exhausted" and "tired"
• 疲れています (tsukareteimasu) - verb meaning "to be tired"

薄暗い部屋で本を読むのは目が疲れる。

Hakuaii heya de hon wo yomu no wa me ga tsukareru

Reading books in a dark room tires the eyes.

Reading a book in a dark room is tired.

• 薄暗い - poor lighting
• 部屋 - fourth
• で - in
• 本 - book
• を - object particle
• 読む - read
• のは - Topic particle
• 目 - eyes
• が - subject particle
• 疲れる - to get tired