Translation and Meaning of: 伜 - segare

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across words that carry deep meanings and specific uses. One of them is 伜[せがれ], a term that can raise questions about its meaning, origin, and application in daily life. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in Japanese culture, and in what contexts it appears. Additionally, we will see tips for memorizing it and understanding its role in communication.

Meaning and usage of 伜 [せがれ]

The word 伜[せがれ] is a Japanese term that means "my son" or "son" in a colloquial sense, often used by parents when referring to their own children. Unlike more formal words like 息子[むすこ], せがれ has a more casual tone and, in some cases, can even be affectionate or humble. It is common to hear it in family conversations or in informal situations among friends.

However, it is important to note that せがれ can carry a slightly derogatory tone depending on the context. Some parents use it to refer to their son in a humble way, especially when speaking with others. For example, a father might say "うちのせがれ" (my son) when mentioning his son to a colleague, showing modesty regarding him.

Origin and writing of the kanji 伜

The kanji 伜 is composed of the radical 人 (person) and 寸 (measure, small), suggesting a connection with the idea of "small person" or "son." This character is considered archaic and rarely seen in modern Japanese, with the hiragana form せがれ being more commonly used. The origin of the word dates back to the Edo period when familial and colloquial terms gained popularity in everyday Japanese.

It is worth noting that, although the kanji exists, many Japanese people may not recognize it immediately, as the hiragana form is the most commonly used nowadays. If you are learning Japanese, focusing on pronunciation and practical use of the word may be more helpful than memorizing its kanji writing.

Cultural context and frequency of use

In Japan, せがれ is a word that reflects family relationships and the modesty typical of the culture. Many parents use it to avoid sounding arrogant when speaking about their own children, especially in conversations with superiors or older people. This humble tone is valued in Japanese society and appears in various expressions of daily life.

Despite this, せがれ is not as common as other ways to refer to "son." In formal or written situations, 息子[むすこ] is the safest choice. In animes and dramas, you may hear せがれ in scenes that portray families or more relaxed dialogues between parents and children. Its use in media helps to reinforce its colloquial and sometimes affectionate tone.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 代理 (Dairi) - Representation, acting on behalf of another person.
• 仲介 (Chūkai) - Intermediation, to act as a mediator.
• 仲人 (Nakōdo) - Intermediary in marriage, matchmaking.
• 代表 (Daihyō) - Representative, someone who speaks or acts on behalf of others.
• 代行 (Daikō) - Acting on behalf of someone, substitute service.
• 代理人 (Dairinin) - Agent, a person authorized to act on behalf of another.
• 代理店 (Dairiten) - Agency or office that represents another company.
• 代理業 (Dairigyō) - Sector or practice of representation.
• 代理取引 (Dairitorihiki) - Transactions made on behalf of another party.
• 代理販売 (Daihanbai) - Sell on behalf of another person or company.
• 代理店舗 (Dairitenpo) - Store that operates as a representative of another brand.
• 代理店主 (Dairitenshu) - Store owner acting as a representative.
• 代理店員 (Dairiten'in) - Employee of a store that represents another company.
• 代理店長 (Dairitenchō) - Store manager acting as a representative.
• 代理店舗経営 (Dairitenpokēiei) - Management of a store that operates as a representative.
• 代理店舗運営 (Dairitenpoun'ei) - Operation of a store under a representation regime.
• 代理店舗管理 (Dairitenpokanri) - Administration of a representative store.
• 代理店舗営業 (Dairitenpōeigyō) - Commercial activities of a representative store.
• 代理店舗業務 (Dairitenpōgyōmu) - Business operations of a store that acts as an agent.
• 代理店舗販売 (Dairitenpōhanbai) - Sale of products in a representative store.
• 代理店舗サービス (Dairitenpōsābisu) - Services provided by a representative store.
• 代理店舗商品 (Dairitenpōshōhin) - Products offered by a representative store.
• 代理店舗サポート (Dairitenpōsapōto) - Support provided to a store that operates as a representative.
• 代理店舗マネジメント (Dairitenpōmanejimento) - Management of a store that acts as a representative.
• 代理店舗オーナー (Dairitenpōōnā) - Owner of a store that represents another brand.

伜

Romaji: segare
Kana: せがれ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: son; my son

Meaning in English: son;my son

Definition: 伜: Follow the actions and attitudes of the other person.