Translation and Meaning of: 冊 - satsu

The Japanese word 冊 (さつ) is an essential term for anyone learning the language, especially when it comes to counting objects. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese quantify books, magazines, or notebooks, this is the answer. In this article, we will explore the meaning, everyday usage, and some curiosities about this word, which is so prevalent in daily life in Japan.

In addition to being a specific counter for bound items, 冊 has an interesting history and a relevant cultural role. Whether for Japanese students or those curious about the language, understanding how and when to use this word can prevent confusion and enrich vocabulary. Let's dive into these details next.

The meaning and use of 冊

冊 (さつ) is a counter suffix used to quantify items such as books, notebooks, magazines, and other bound items. It works similarly to words like "unit" or "piece," but with a very specific focus. For example, if you want to say "three books" in Japanese, you would say 本を三冊 (ほんをさんさつ).

This counter is widely used in Japan, both in formal and informal contexts. Its application ranges from everyday conversations to business transactions, such as buying books at a bookstore or taking magazines from a library. Knowing how to use it correctly is essential for anyone who wishes to communicate accurately in Japanese.

The origin and writing of 冊

The kanji 冊 has an interesting visual origin. It represents ancient bamboo books bound with strings, a primitive form of binding used in ancient China. This character carries with it the idea of something that has been gathered and organized, like the pages of a book. Over time, its meaning has remained, but its application has expanded to other similar objects.

In modern writing, 冊 is composed of strokes that symbolize sheets or wooden boards joined together. This kanji also appears in words like 冊子 (さっし), which means "booklet" or "flyer." Its most common reading is さつ, but in some compounds, it can take on other pronunciations, such as さっ in the previous example.

Tips for memorizing and using 冊

An effective way to memorize 冊 is to associate it with objects you already know. Think of stacked books or magazines on a shelf – they are all counted with さつ. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "この本は一冊です" (This book is a volume), to reinforce its use in everyday context.

Additionally, it is worth noting that 冊 is not used for digital items, such as e-books or PDF files. It only applies to physical bound objects. This distinction is important to avoid common mistakes among Japanese learners. With time and practice, the use of this word will become natural and intuitive.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 巻 (kan) - Volume, often used to refer to parts of a book or series.
• 冊子 (sasshi) - Booklet, a smaller publication, usually a set of pages that is not as extensive as a traditional book.
• 本 (hon) - Book, the general term for a book, which can refer to any printed or written work.
• 書籍 (shoseki) - Publications, a more formal or broader term for books and other written materials.

冊

Romaji: satsu
Kana: さつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: book counter

Meaning in English: counter for books

Definition: A unit of a book or document that summarizes something.

Example Sentences - (冊) satsu

See below some example sentences:

私はこの冊子を読み終えました。

Watashi wa kono satsusho o yomi oeta

I finished reading this book.

I finished reading this booklet.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• この (kono) - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 冊子 (sakushi) - noun meaning "book" or "brochure"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "book"
• 読み終えました (yomioemashita) - verb meaning "I finished reading"