Translation and Meaning of: こだわる - kodawaru

The Japanese word こだわる (kodawaru) is a term that arouses curiosity both for its meaning and its application in daily life. If you have ever wondered what it means or how to use it correctly, this article will clarify those doubts. We will explore everything from its origin and translation to the cultural context in which it appears, all in a simple and direct manner.

Furthermore, we will understand how this word is perceived in Japan, its frequency of use, and even tips for memorizing it. If you are studying Japanese or just have an interest in the language, knowing こだわる can enrich your vocabulary and your understanding of the Japanese mindset. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those who truly want to learn.

Meaning and translation of こだわる

The word こだわる can be translated as "being picky," "holding on to details," or "insisting on something." It carries a nuance of meticulous dedication, often with a positive tone, indicating that someone deeply cares about the quality or details of something. However, depending on the context, it can also have a negative connotation, suggesting stubbornness or excessive perfectionism.

A classic example of positive usage is when talking about a craftsman who こだわる in his work, meaning he dedicates himself meticulously to each step. On the other hand, if someone こだわる too much on insignificant rules, it may convey the idea of inflexibility. This duality makes the word versatile and rich in meaning.

Origin and cultural use of こだわる

The origin of こだわる dates back to the verb こだわる (拘る), which has roots in the idea of "to bind" or "to restrict." This initial sense evolved to represent the attention dedicated to something specific, whether through passion or stubbornness. In Japan, those who こだわる in their field are highly valued, as it reflects the concept of "kodawari" (こだわり), meaning the pursuit of excellence in a trade or hobby.

Culturally, the term is linked to the Japanese philosophy of perfectionism and continuous improvement, present in areas such as cuisine, craftsmanship, and even sports. However, it is important to note that an excess of こだわり can be seen as inflexibility, especially in social contexts where harmony and adaptability are valued. Therefore, the use of the word depends greatly on the tone and the situation.

How to memorize and use こだわる

An effective way to memorize こだわる is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, think of a chef who refuses to use low-quality ingredients – he is こだわる in his kitchen. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like "彼はデザインにこだわる" (He is particular about the design), which illustrate the practical use of the word.

Furthermore, it is worth noting how こだわる appears in animes, dramas, or even in interviews with Japanese artists and professionals. They often use the term to describe their approach to work. The more you expose yourself to real examples, the more natural it will be to incorporate こだわる into your active vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of こだわる

• こだわる - Male form: こだわる
• こだわる - Feminine form: こだわる
• こだわる - Present Form: こだわります
• こだわる - Past Form: こだわりました
• こだわる - Imperative Form: こだわれ

Synonyms and similar words

• 拘る (kodawaru) - To be particular; to have a strong preference for something.
• 粘る (nebaru) - Persist; to hold on to something, often with a connotation of resistance.
• 執着する (shūchaku suru) - To be attached; to cling to something in a strong emotional way.
• 着目する (chakumoku suru) - Pay attention; focus on a specific point.
• 注意する (chūi suru) - Be careful; pay attention to something, usually as a precaution.
• 注目する (chūmoku suru) - Observe closely; emphasize something that deserves attention.
• 気にする (ki ni suru) - To worry; to care about something, often in a light way.
• 細かいところにこだわる (komakai tokoro ni kodawaru) - Be demanding in details; focus on specific aspects.
• 細かい点にこだわる (komakai ten ni kodawaru) - Worrying about small points; attention to subtle details.
• 細部にこだわる (saibu ni kodawaru) - Focusing on details; importance given to the smaller aspects.
• 細かいことにこだわる (komakai koto ni kodawaru) - To care about minutiae; excessive concern for small details.
• 細かいところを気にする (komakai tokoro o ki ni suru) - Worry about the details; take small aspects into account.
• 細かい点を気にする (komakai ten o ki ni suru) - Worrying about small aspects; caring about minor details.
• 細部を気にする (saibu o ki ni suru) - Pay attention to details; focus on the smaller parts of a whole.

こだわる

Romaji: kodawaru
Kana: こだわる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to worry; private

Meaning in English: to fuss over;to be particular about;to be concerned about

Definition: Be specific about the details.

Example Sentences - (こだわる) kodawaru

See below some example sentences:

私はデザインにこだわる。

Watashi wa dezain ni kodawaru

I am demanding with the design.

I maintain the design.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• デザイン (dezain) - Japanese word meaning "design"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the direction or target of the action
• こだわる (kodawaru) - Japanese verb meaning "to be demanding" or "to be careful with"