Translation and Meaning of: 刻む - kizamu

The Japanese word 刻む (きざむ, kizamu) is a verb that carries deep meanings and various uses in everyday Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its context can enrich your vocabulary and cultural comprehension. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 刻む, along with tips for memorizing it efficiently.

Whether to describe the act of carving wood, marking time, or engraving memories in the heart, 刻む is a versatile word that appears in different situations. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and precise explanations to help you master Japanese naturally. Shall we begin?

Meaning and uses of 刻む

The verb 刻む can be translated in various ways, depending on the context. Its main meaning is "to cut into pieces" or "to carve," as when someone finely cuts vegetables (野菜を刻む) or carves a statue from wood. However, its use goes beyond the physical sense.

In a more abstract sense, 刻む also means "to mark" or "to engrave," whether it's time (時間を刻む) or memories (記憶を刻む). This duality of meanings makes the word frequently used in both everyday situations and in poetic and literary expressions.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 刻 is composed of the radical 刂 (right side, related to cutting) and the component 亥, which historically represented the sound of the word. This combination reinforces the idea of something being divided or marked with precision, whether physically or metaphorically.

Interestingly, this same kanji appears in words such as 時刻 (jikoku, hour) and 彫刻 (chōkoku, sculpture), showing its connection to the idea of marking and creation. Studying these related terms can help better solidify the meaning of 刻む in your vocabulary.

Tips to memorize and use 刻む

An effective way to remember 刻む is to associate it with actions that involve precision and detail. Think of a clock marking every second (秒を刻む) or a chef carefully chopping ingredients. These mental images help to solidify the verb in a concrete way.

Another tip is to pay attention to the use of 刻む in Japanese songs and dramas, where it often appears in emotional contexts. Artists often use this word to express feelings deeply ingrained in the heart, which can be a great way to absorb its emotional meaning.

If you enjoy note-taking, creating sentences like "彼の言葉が心に刻まれた" (his words were etched in my heart) can be an excellent exercise. The more you practice in real contexts, the more natural the use of this versatile word will be.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 刻む

• 刻む - present tense
• 刻んで - imperative
• 刻もう - Future tense
• 刻んだ - past
• 刻める - potential

Synonyms and similar words

• 切り刻む (kiri-kizamu) - Cut into small pieces.
• 切り裂く (kiri-saku) - Cut or tear with a more aggressive movement.
• 切り取る (kiri-toru) - Cut or remove a part of something.
• 断ち切る (tachi-kiru) - Cutting a connection or interruption of something, like a relationship.

刻む

Romaji: kizamu
Kana: きざむ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: sting; carve; to record; cut well; to cut; hash; to dig; notch

Meaning in English: to mince;to carve;to engrave;to cut fine;to chop up;to hash;to chisel;to notch

Definition: to cut into small pieces.