Translation and Meaning of: 仕舞う - shimau

The Japanese word 仕舞う (しまう) is a common verb in everyday life, but it carries interesting nuances for those studying the language. Its main meaning involves the idea of putting away, tidying up, or finishing something, but its usage goes beyond the literal sense. In this article, we will explore everything from its origin and writing to practical situations where this word appears, including tips for memorizing it correctly.

Understanding しまう is useful not only for everyday conversations but also for comprehending cultural expressions and contexts. If you've ever wondered why the Japanese use this verb so much or how to differentiate it from similar terms, keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, we've gathered accurate information to assist in your learning.

Meaning and usage of しまう

The verb しまう has the most direct translation of "to put away" or "to store something properly." For example, when organizing cutlery in the drawer or putting clothes in the closet, a Japanese person would use this word. However, its meaning extends to completed actions, such as closing a deal or finishing a task.

Another common use is in the form ~てしまう, which indicates an action performed involuntarily or with regret. If someone says "食べてしまった" (tabete shimatta), it means they ate something unexpectedly, perhaps even overindulging. This grammatical construction is essential for expressing emotional nuances in Japanese.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 仕舞う is composed of two characters: 仕 (shi), which refers to "serving" or "working," and 舞 (mai), associated with "dancing." Together, they suggest the idea of "ending a service" or "completing a movement," reflecting the sense of conclusion found in the verb. Interestingly, the writing in hiragana (しまう) is more common in daily life than the kanji version.

Some linguists point out that the origin of しまう is linked to ancient terms that meant "putting something in its rightful place." This notion of organization still persists in modern usage, especially in domestic contexts. It is worth noting that, although the kanji 舞 appears in words like 踊り (odori, dance), in しまう it loses this direct connection to dance.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember しまう is to associate it with everyday situations, such as setting the table after dinner. The sound of the word also helps: "shimau" can be linked to the sound of a drawer closing ("shi-mau!"). This mnemonic technique is supported by language learning methods, such as the book "Remembering the Kanji."

In Japanese culture, the act of しまう is connected to the value of organization and respect for shared space. In schools and offices, it is common to see people putting away personal items at the end of the day – a reflection of this ingrained habit. In animes like "Sazae-san", the verb frequently appears in family scenes, showcasing its role in daily life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 終わる (owaru) - End; finish.
• 終える (oeru) - Conclude; finalize (regarding actions carried out by the subject).
• 終止める (shūtimeru) - Close; put an end (general).
• 終わりにする (owari ni suru) - Decide to end; to bring something to a close.
• 終わりをつける (owari o tsukeru) - Put a final point; give a closing.
• 終了する (shūryō suru) - Finish; to close a formal process.
• 終了させる (shūryō saseru) - To make someone or something finish; to allow for completion.
• 終わらせる (owaraseru) - To make something come to an end; to cause the termination of something.
• 終わりになる (owari ni naru) - To come to an end; to become the end.
• 終わりを迎える (owari o mukaeru) - Reach the end; embrace the conclusion.
• 終わりを告げる (owari o tsugeru) - Announce the end; communicate that something has finished.
• 終わりを迎えさせる (owari o mukaesaseru) - To bring something to the end; to take to completion.

仕舞う

Romaji: shimau
Kana: しまう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: finish; to close; do something completely; save; to put an end to

Meaning in English: to finish;to close;to do something completely;to put away;to put an end to

Definition: arrumar [arrumar] To tidy up, tidy up, get rid of it, get rid of it.

Example Sentences - (仕舞う) shimau

See below some example sentences:

彼女は仕舞う前に部屋を片付けた。

Kanojo wa shimau mae ni heya wo katazuketa

She tidied up the room before finishing.

She cleaned the room before the end.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 仕舞う - tidy, store
• 前に - before
• 部屋 - Room, living room
• を - direct object particle
• 片付けた - tidied up, organized