Translation and Meaning of: 立つ - tatsu

The Japanese word 立つ[たつ] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language. Its main meaning is "to stand" or "to rise," but its applications go far beyond the literal sense. In this article, we will explore everything from its kanji writing to cultural uses and common expressions that involve this word. If you've ever wondered how to memorize 立つ or in what contexts it appears in daily life in Japan, keep reading to find out.

The meaning and uses of 立つ

The verb 立つ is often used to describe the action of standing up, but it also appears in more abstract situations. For example, it can mean "to arise" when referring to an opportunity (機会が立つ) or even "to leave" in contexts like 席を立つ (to leave the place). This versatility makes it a word present in various everyday situations.

In addition, 立つ is used in fixed expressions like 目立つ (to stand out) and 役に立つ (to be useful). These combinations show how a seemingly simple verb can gain different nuances depending on the context. For Japanese learners, understanding these variations is crucial to avoid misinterpretations.

The writing and origin of the kanji 立

The kanji 立 is composed of five strokes and represents a person standing. Its origin comes from a pictogram that illustrated someone upright, and this image evolved into its current form. This character is also a radical present in other words, such as 位置 (position) and 立派 (magnificent), showing its influence in the formation of terms related to stability or prominence.

It is worth noting that 立つ (tatsu) is a verb of group 1 (godan), which means that its conjugation follows a specific pattern. For example, in the past form, it becomes 立った (tatta), and in the te-form, 立って (tatte). Knowing these variations helps in constructing more natural sentences when speaking or writing in Japanese.

Tips for memorizing and using 立つ correctly

An effective way to memorize 立つ is to associate it with physical actions. Practicing phrases like 椅子から立つ (getting up from the chair) or 電車で立つ (standing on the train) creates concrete connections with real-life situations. Another tip is to pay attention to animes or dramas where the verb appears, as auditory repetition aids in memorization.

Avoid confusing 立つ with verbs like 座る (to sit) or 起きる (to wake/get up from bed). Each has a specific use, and mixing them up can lead to misunderstandings. For example, saying ベッドから立つ sounds strange, as the correct phrase would be ベッドから起きる. These details make a difference in language fluency.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 立つ

• 立つ - Base dictionary form of the verb
• 立てる - potential form
• 立てます - polite form
• 立ちます - Honorific form
• 立てろ - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 起立する (kiritsu suru) - rise, stand up
• 立ち上がる (tachiagaru) - to get up, to rise from a sitting or lying position
• 立ち (tachi) - standing position, to be standing

立つ

Romaji: tatsu
Kana: たつ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: support; lift; be lifted; rise; be built

Meaning in English: to stand;to erect;to be erected;to rise;to be built

Definition: The vertical position of things.

Example Sentences - (立つ) tatsu

See below some example sentences:

ロケットが宇宙に飛び立った。

Roketto ga uchuu ni tobitatta

The rocket took off to the space.

The rocket flew into space.

• ロケット - Rocket
• が - partícula que indica o sujeito de uma frase
• 宇宙 - Space
• に - particle indicating the location of an action
• 飛び立った - took off, departed

役立つ情報を提供します。

Yakudatsu jōhō o teikyō shimasu

I will provide useful information.

Provides useful information.

• 役立つ - useful, beneficial
• 情報 - information
• を - direct object particle
• 提供 - provide
• します - Verb "to do" in the present

日本の領土は四つの主要な島と多くの小さな島々から成り立っています。

Nihon no ryōdo wa yottsu no shuyōna shima to ōku no chīsana shimatō kara narimatte imasu

The territory of Japan consists of four main islands and many small islands.

• 日本の領土 - "territory of Japan"
• 四つの主要な島 - "four main islands"
• と - "and"
• 多くの小さな島々 - "many small islands"
• から成り立っています - "consists of"

煌びやかな衣装を着て舞台に立つ。

Kagayaki yaka na ishou o kite butai ni tatsu

Stand on stage wearing bright costumes.

• 煌びやかな - bright, resplendent
• 衣装 - clothes, costume
• を着て - wearing (particle indicating action)
• 舞台 - stage, scene
• に立つ - stand, go on stage (particle that indicates action)

書き取りは日本語の勉強にとても役立ちます。

Kakitori wa nihongo no benkyou ni totemo yakudachimasu

Writing is very useful for studying Japanese.

Writing is very useful for studying Japanese.

• 書き取り - WRITING
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possession particle
• 勉強 - study
• に - target particle
• とても - very
• 役立ちます - To be useful

このページはとても役に立ちます。

Kono peeji wa totemo yaku ni tachimasu

This page is very useful.

This page is very useful.

• このページ - This page
• は - Topic particle
• とても - Very
• 役に立ちます - It's useful

この資料はとても役に立ちます。

Kono shiryou wa totemo yaku ni tachimasu

This information is very useful.

This material is very useful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 資料 - noun meaning "material" or "document"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 役に立ちます - verb that means "to be useful" or "to serve a purpose"

この教材はとても役に立ちます。

Kono kyōzai wa totemo yaku ni tachimasu

This teaching material is very useful.

This teaching material is very useful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 教材 - noun meaning "teaching material"
• は - partopic marker indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this teaching material"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 役に立ちます - verb that means "to be useful"

マッサージはリラックスするのに役立ちます。

Massāji wa rirakkusu suru no ni yakudachimasu

Massage can help you relax.

• マッサージ - Massage
• は - Topic particle
• リラックス - to relax
• する - Verb "to do"
• のに - Conjunction indicating purpose
• 役立ちます - Being useful, being beneficial

技術は人々の生活をより良くするために役立ちます。

Gijutsu wa hitobito no seikatsu wo yori yoku suru tame ni yakudachi masu

Technology helps improve people's lives.

Technology helps improve people's lives.

• 技術 - technology
• は - Topic particle
• 人々 - people
• の - Possessive particle
• 生活 - life
• を - direct object particle
• より良く - better
• する - make
• ために - for
• 役立ちます - To be useful