Translation and Meaning of: ずらす - zurasu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word ずらす (zurasu). It appears in everyday situations and can have different meanings depending on the context. In this article, we will explore what this word means, how it is used by the Japanese, and some curiosities about its usage. Additionally, we will look at tips for memorizing it and practical examples that can help in your learning.

Meaning and usage of ずらす

ずらす is a verb that generally means "to shift", "to move" or "to push something to the side". It is used when we want to indicate that an object or person is being repositioned, either physically or metaphorically. For example, if someone needs to tidy the table, they might say テーブルをずらす (tēburu o zurasu), which means "to move the table".

In addition to the physical meaning, ずらす can also be used in more abstract contexts. If a meeting needs to be postponed, it's common to hear 会議をずらす (kaigi o zurasu), meaning "postpone the meeting." This flexibility makes the word quite versatile in everyday life.

Origin and writing of ずらす

The word ずらす is written in hiragana, but it can also appear in kanji as 揺らす in some contexts, although this form is less common. Its origin is linked to the verb ずれる (zureru), which means "to slide" or "to drift out of place." This relationship helps to understand why ずらす carries the idea of movement or adjustment.

It is worth noting that, although ずらす is often used in colloquial language, it is not considered an excessively informal term. This means you can use it in everyday conversations without worry, but in very formal situations, other expressions might be more suitable.

Tips for memorizing and using ずらす

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of ずらす is to associate it with concrete actions. Think of situations where you need to move an object, like a chair or a book. Mentally repeating いすをずらす (isu o zurasu) while pushing a chair helps to create a direct connection between the word and the action.

Another tip is to pay attention to dialogues from animes or Japanese dramas, where ずらす appears frequently. Hearing the word in real contexts makes it easier to naturally assimilate its meaning and use. If you use apps like Anki, creating flashcards with practical sentences can be a great strategy.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of ずらす

ずらす - base form
ずらします - polite form
ずらさない - negative form
ずらしました - past form
ずらせます - potential form

Synonyms and similar words

ずらし (zurashi) - Move, adjust.
移す (utsusu) - Move, transfer something from one place to another.
変える (kaeru) - Change, alter something in its form or state.
変更する (henkō suru) - Make a change, modify something formally.
移動する (idō suru) - To move or to relocate from one place to another.
移転する (iten suru) - Transfer or move from one place to another, usually in a formal context such as offices or residences.
変換する (henkan suru) - Convert from one form or state to another, such as units or data formats.
転送する (tensō suru) - Send or transfer something, especially data or information, from one place to another.
転移する (teni suru) - Moving from one place to another with a focus on a more abrupt or direct change.
転換する (tenkan suru) - To transform or change direction, especially in contexts such as strategies or policies.