Translation and Meaning of: 傾ける - katamukeru

The Japanese word 傾ける (かたむける) is a versatile verb that can confuse language learners. Its main meaning involves to incline, to knock over, or even to dedicate something, such as time or attention. In this article, we will explore everything from its origin and writing to practical usage examples, as well as curiosities about how this word is perceived in Japan. If you seek to better understand 傾ける to apply it in daily life or studies, you’ve come to the right place.

Meaning and translation of 傾ける

The verb 傾ける is most commonly translated as "to incline" or "to topple," but its meaning goes beyond that. It can also mean "to dedicate" or "to concentrate" something, as in 耳を傾ける (mimi o katamukeru), which means "to pay attention," literally "to incline the ear." This flexibility makes the word useful in various contexts, both physical and abstract.

It is worth noting that 傾ける is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. For example, グラスを傾ける (gurasu o katamukeru) means "to tilt the glass." In its intransitive form, 傾く (かたむく), the meaning is closer to "to be tilted" or "to decline," as in the case of the sun at sunset.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 傾 is composed of two main elements: the radical 人 (person) and 頃 (moment, to incline). This combination suggests the idea of a person leaning or something that changes position. The character itself already carries the notion of movement or imbalance, which reflects well the meanings of the verb.

Interestingly, the kanji 傾 also appears in other words like 傾向 (けいこう - tendency) and 傾斜 (けいしゃ - inclination), always maintaining a connection with ideas of tilt or bias. This connection between the terms can aid in memorization, as the radical and pronunciation repeat in similar contexts.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In everyday Japanese, 傾ける is a moderately used word, more common in specific situations than in casual conversations. Expressions like 力を傾ける (ちからをかたむける - to dedicate effort) or 情熱を傾ける (じょうねつをかたむける - to dedicate passion) often appear in motivational speeches or formal texts.

An interesting curiosity is that the verb often carries a positive connotation when used in an abstract sense. Saying that someone 心を傾けた (kokoro o katamuketa - inclined their heart) implies genuine dedication, whether to a project or a person. This cultural aspect shows how the Japanese language associates physical movement with emotions.

Tips for memorizing and using 傾ける

An effective way to reinforce 傾ける is to associate it with concrete images. Think of someone leaning a cup to drink, or a person slightly bending to listen better. These scenes help to link the verb to physical actions before moving on to the abstract meanings.

Another tip is to practice with sentences that contrast the uses of transitive and intransitive. For example: 彼はボトルを傾けた (kare wa botoru o katamuketa - He tilted the bottle) versus 塔が傾いている (tou ga katamuite iru - The tower is tilted). This exercise highlights how the same verbal root assumes different roles in the sentence.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 傾ける

• 傾ける - Form dictionary
• 傾けます - polite form
• 傾けない - negative form
• 傾けた - past form
• 傾けてください - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 傾く (katamuku) - Leaning, tilting to one side.
• 傾ける (katamukeru) - To tilt something, to make something lean.
• 傾かす (katamakasu) - To make something lean, to force the tilt of something.
• 傾き (katamuki) - Inclination, the quality of being inclined.
• 傾け (katamuke) - A bending act, used in specific contexts.
• 傾かせる (katamakaseru) - To get something to tilt or bend.
• 傾けさせる (katamukesasero) - To force or make someone tilt something.
• 傾けること (katamukeru koto) - The act of bowing.
• 傾けた (katamuteta) - Inclined (past form of 傾ける).
• 傾けられる (katamukerareru) - To be inclined (passive form of 傾ける).
• 傾けさせられる (katamukesaserareru) - To be forced to tilt something (passive form of 傾けさせる).
• 傾けられた (katamukerareta) - It was inclined (passive form of 傾けた).

傾ける

Romaji: katamukeru
Kana: かたむける
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: inclinate; to lean; to bend; support yourself; tip; inclination; inclination; focus on; ruin (a country); to waste; drain out

Meaning in English: to incline;to list;to bend;to lean;to tip;to tilt;to slant;to concentrate on;to ruin (a country);to squander;to empty

Definition: To point something at an angle.