Translation and Meaning of: 重なる - omonaru

The Japanese word 重なる (おもなる) can cause some confusion for language students, especially due to its uncommon reading and specific meaning. In this article, we will explore its sense, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. If you have come across this term in texts or conversations and felt curious, you have come to the right place. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps to unveil even the most intriguing words.

The meaning and use of 重なる (おもなる)

重なる (おもなる) is an adjective that means "main," "most important," or "fundamental." Unlike the homophone 重なる (かさなる), which refers to overlapping things, this version with the reading おもなる has a more restricted and formal use. It often appears in contexts that highlight the central element of a situation, such as in "重なる理由" (omotaru riyuu – "the main reason").

It is worth noting that, although it is a correct term, it is not as common in colloquial Japanese. Often, speakers prefer alternatives such as 主な (おもな) or 重要な (じゅうような). Still, finding it in written texts or formal speeches is not uncommon, especially in documents or discussions that require linguistic precision.

The origin and writing of 重なる (おもなる)

The kanji 重 (omo) conveys the idea of weight or importance, which connects perfectly to the meaning of "main." Meanwhile, the reading おもなる is an archaic form that has survived in modern Japanese in specific contexts. Interestingly, this same kanji appears in words such as 重要 (じゅうよう – "important") and 重役 (おもやく – "executive"), reinforcing its relationship with hierarchy and relevance.

One tip to memorize this word is to associate it with the radical 重, present in other vocabulary that also conveys the notion of something essential. Additionally, observing its use in phrases such as "重なる目的" (omotaru mokuteki – "the main objective") can help to anchor its meaning in a more natural way.

How 重なる (おもなる) is perceived in Japan

In Japan, 重なる (おもなる) has a somewhat more solemn tone, being more frequent in legal texts, business reports, or formal speeches. Its presence in daily life is limited, but that does not diminish its importance for those who wish to master Japanese at advanced levels. Students who dedicate themselves to reading academic or professional materials will certainly encounter it with some regularity.

An interesting fact is that, although it is an ancient term, it is still taught in Japanese schools, especially in classical Japanese language classes. This shows how the word has withstood the test of time, maintaining its place in the vocabulary even with the evolution of the language. For those studying Japanese, knowing 重なる (おもなる) is a way to delve into the linguistic and cultural richness of Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 重なる

重なる - Positive Form
重ならない - negative form
重なっている - Continuous form
重なります - polite form

Synonyms and similar words

重複する (Chōfuku suru) - Duplicate, repeat something; emphasizes the occurrence of the same event or item.
かさなる (Kasanaru) - To overlap, to accumulate; it refers to the act of naturally stacking.
かさねる (Kasaneru) - Overlay, to place something in layers; it highlights the action of placing something on top of another with intention.
重なり合う (Kasanariau) - Overlap; it suggests an interaction between two or more overlapping elements.
重ねる (Kasaneru) - Stacking, overlapping; it involves the action of adding layers, not necessarily in a natural way.
交わる (Kawaru) - Intersection, to intersect; emphasizes the idea that two paths or objects meet.
交差する (Kōsa suru) - Crossroads; a more technical term to describe the act of crossing, such as streets or paths.
重層する (Jūsō suru) - Multiple layers; refers to structures or concepts made up of various layers.
重重にする (Jūjū ni suru) - To make something intensely heavy; it implies a significant increase in weight or load.
重重に重ねる (Jūjū ni kasaneru) - Overlay intensely; emphasizes the act of stacking with a sense of overload.
重ね合わせる (Kasane awaseru) - Overlay and integrate; it involves a combination of elements that overlap.
重ね重ねにする (Kasane kasane ni suru) - To do repeatedly; suggests repetition in layers or successive actions.
重ね重ねに重ねる (Kasane kasane ni kasaneru) - Repeatedly overlapping; emphasizes the action of stacking several times.
重ね重ねに重ね合わせる (Kasane kasane ni kasane awaseru) - Overlay and integrate repeatedly; the idea of multiple overlapping iterations.
かさね合わせる (Kasanewaseru) - Sobrelap and combine; it emphasizes the idea of integrating stacked elements.
かさね重ねにする (Kasanekasaneni suru) - Make countless layers; suggests the addition of endless layers.
かさね重ねに重ねる (Kasanekasaneni kasaneru) - Overlay multiple times; emphasizes the action of piling up intensely.
かさね重ねに重ね合わせる (Kasanekasaneni kasaneawasuru) - Overlay and integrate incessantly; it refers to the act of continuously stacking and joining.