Translation and Meaning of: 凝る - kogoru

The Japanese word 凝る[こごる] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. Whether you're studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, everyday use, and cultural context can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will delve into the details of this expression, from its translation to how it is perceived in Japan.

In addition to unraveling the literal meaning of 凝る, we will explore how it appears in everyday situations and what common pitfalls to watch out for when translating it. If you have ever wondered why the Japanese use this word in certain contexts, keep reading to discover practical answers and cultural insights.

The meaning and use of 凝る

The verb 凝る[こごる] has the primary meaning of "to become rigid," "to harden," or "to freeze," especially when referring to liquids that solidify due to cold. For example, it can describe water that has turned into ice or fat that has become hard after cooling. However, its usage goes beyond the physical sense.

In more abstract contexts, 凝る can also convey the idea of something that has become inflexible, whether it be a situation, a relationship, or even someone's thoughts. This versatility means that the word appears in both everyday conversations and more formal texts, depending on the intention of the person using it.

The origin and writing of 凝る

The kanji 凝 is composed of the radical 冫 (which represents ice or cold) combined with 疑 (doubt, suspicion). This combination suggests a relationship with the concept of something that "stops" or "fixes" due to low temperature. The reading こごる is one of several possible readings for this character, which can also be read as ぎょう in words like 凝視[ぎょうし] (fixed gaze).

It is worth noting that 凝る is not an extremely common verb in modern Japanese, but it still appears often enough to deserve attention. Its use is more frequent in colder regions of Japan, where the phenomenon of liquids freezing is more common in winter.

Cultural curiosities and memorization tips

An effective way to remember the meaning of 凝る is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine a puddle of water in Tokyo during the winter: at dawn, after a cold night, the surface may have 凝って (become hard) with a thin layer of ice. This image helps to fix not only the literal meaning but also the atmosphere in which the word is commonly used.

Culturally, 凝る reflects the Japanese sensibility in precisely describing changes of state. While in Portuguese we use more generic verbs like "freeze," Japanese often has specific terms for each type of solidification, demonstrating how the language is tied to the meticulous observation of nature.

When to use (and when to avoid) 凝る

In everyday conversations, 凝る is more suitable to describe situations where something has naturally hardened due to the cold, not by human action. For example, it would be strange to use it to talk about water placed in the freezer, since in that case other verbs like 凍らせる (to freeze deliberately) would be more appropriate.

Outside of the physical context, it is possible to use 凝る metaphorically, but with caution. Describing a relationship that has "hardened" or "become rigid" can sound poetic in certain contexts, but in casual conversations, it may cause discomfort. As always in Japanese, observing how natives employ the word in different situations is the best way to learn its nuances.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 凝る

• 凝った - past form
• 凝ります - Present form
• 凝れば conditional form
• 凝れば - potential form
• 凝られる - passive form
• 凝りたい - potential form

Synonyms and similar words

• 熱中する (necchuu suru) - To dedicate oneself intensely to something, an activity, or a subject.
• 熱心に取り組む (nesshin ni torikumu) - Engage with care and determination in a task; be deeply involved.

凝る

Romaji: kogoru
Kana: こごる
Type: verb
L: -

Translation / Meaning: to freeze; Freeze

Meaning in English: to congeal;to freeze

Definition: Put time and effort into something and pay attention to every detail.

Example Sentences - (凝る) kogoru

See below some example sentences:

肩が凝る。

Kata ga koru

My shoulders are tense.

My shoulders are rigid.

• 肩 (kata) - Shoulder
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 凝る (koru) - to become tense, rigid, painful

彼女は料理に凝っている。

Kanojo wa ryōri ni korotte iru

She's obsessed with cooking.

It is made by cooking.

• 彼女 - She
• は - Topic particle
• 料理 - Cooking
• に - particle indicating the object of the action
• 凝っている - She is obsessed.