Translation and Meaning of: 繋がる - tsunagaru

The Japanese word 繋がる (tsunagaru) carries a deep and versatile meaning, present in the everyday life and culture of Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses, along with curiosities that help understand why it is so relevant for Japanese language learners. If you have ever wondered how to express physical or emotional connections in Japanese, this is the right place.

Meaning and use of 繋がる

繋がる (tsunagaru) means "to be connected," "to link," or "to relate," in both physical and emotional senses. It can describe anything from wires coming together to bonds between people. For example, a bridge connecting two cities or a feeling that brings friends closer.

In the Japanese language, this word is common in daily conversations and frequently appears in both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility makes it essential for those who want to express themselves naturally. Unlike more literal words, 繋がる carries nuances that reflect Japanese values, such as the importance of relationships.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 繋 consists of the radical 糸 (ito, "thread"), which indicates a physical connection, and the component 罙 (shin), associated with depth. Together, they suggest a connection that goes beyond the superficial. This etymology reinforces the sense of lasting bonds, whether they are material or abstract.

It is important to note that 繋がる is an intransitive verb, meaning it describes an action that does not require a direct object. While 繋ぐ (tsunagu) is its transitive form ("to connect something"), 繋がる focuses on the resulting state: "to be connected." This difference is crucial for using the word correctly.

Tips for memorizing and using 繋がる

An effective way to remember 繋がる is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of social networks (SNSで繋がる), relationships (心が繋がる), or even infrastructure (道が繋がる). The verb also appears in expressions like 縁で繋がる (united by destiny), which is commonly used in dramas and literature.

To practice, try creating simple sentences like この線路は東京と大阪に繋がる (This railway connects Tokyo to Osaka). Repeating it aloud helps internalize both pronunciation and context. If you are already studying Japanese, write it down alongside other "state" verbs, like 続く (to continue) or 重なる (to overlap).

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 繋がる

• 繋がる - Basic form 連体形
• 繋がります - Polite form 丁寧体
• 繋がらない - negative form
• 繋がろう - Volitive form
• 繋がって - Connection method
• 繋がった - past form
• 繋がれ - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• つながる (tsunagaru) - Connect, being linked; emphasizes the natural or fluid connection between elements.
• 結び付く (musubitsuku) - To unite, to establish a connection; usually implies a closer joining between the parties.
• 接続する (setsuzoku suru) - Connect, make the connection; it often has a more technical or specific sense of connection.
• 連なる (tsuranaru) - To be continuous, to extend in a line; suggests a connection in line or sequence.
• 結合する (ketsugou suru) - Join, combine; emphasizes the union or formation of a new set from parts.

繋がる

Romaji: tsunagaru
Kana: つながる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: to be linked; to be connected to; to be related to

Meaning in English: to be tied together;to be connected to;to be related to

Definition: Connect: things connect and become one.

Example Sentences - (繋がる) tsunagaru

See below some example sentences:

人と心が繋がる。

Hito to kokoro ga tsunagaru

Our hearts are connected with people.

People and hearts are connected.

• 人 - means "people" in Japanese.
• と - is a linking particle in Japanese, which can be translated as "and" or "with".
• 心 - means "heart" or "mind" in Japanese.
• が - is a subject particle in Japanese, which indicates that "heart" is the subject of the sentence.
• 繋がる - is a verb in Japanese that means "to connect" or "to bind".

彼の努力が成程、成功へと繋がった。

Kare no doryoku ga naruhodo, seikou e to tsunagatta.

His effort, in fact, led to success.

His effort really resulted in success.

• 彼 (かれ, kare): he
• の (no): possessive particle (of)
• 努力 (どりょく, doryoku): effort
• が (ga): subject particle
• 成程 (なるほど, naruhodo): in fact
• 成功 (せいこう, seikou): success
• へ (e): direction particle (to)
• と (to): citation particle (here, indicating result)
• 繋がった (つながった, tsunagatta): connected, took to

全ては繋がっている。

Subete wa tsunagatte iru

Everything is connected.

• 全て (substantivo) - means "everything" or "everyone"
• は (partícula) - indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "everything"
• 繋がっている (verbo) - means "to be connected" or "to be connected"

繋がりを大切にしましょう。

Tsunagari wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value our connections.

Let's value the connection.

• 繋がり (tsunagari) - connection, relationship
• を (wo) - object particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• に (ni) - target particle
• しましょう (shimashou) - Kindly form of the verb "fazer", indicating a suggestion or invitation