Translation and Meaning of: 勧める - susumeru

The Japanese word 勧める (すすめる) is a common verb in everyday life, but it carries interesting nuances for those studying the language. Its main meaning is "to recommend," "to advise," or "to encourage," but its use goes beyond a simple suggestion. In this article, we'll explore how this word is applied in different contexts, its origin, and even tips for memorizing it effectively.

Whoever has watched a Japanese drama or read a manga has probably come across 勧める in everyday scenes, such as a waiter suggesting a dish or a friend encouraging someone to try something new. Understanding this word helps not only to expand vocabulary but also to grasp subtle cultural gestures of the Japanese. Let’s uncover its details below.

Meaning and use of 勧める

勧める (すすめる) is a verb that conveys the idea of recommending something with a certain insistence or conviction. Unlike simply "saying" or "talking," it implies an effort to persuade the listener. For example, a doctor might 勧める a specific medication, or a teacher might 勧める a book to their students.

In everyday situations, it is common to hear phrases like "このレストランを勧めます" (Kono resutoran o susumemasu – "I recommend this restaurant"). The verb can also appear in more formal contexts, such as business, where a colleague might 勧める a strategy during a meeting. The nuance here is one of a suggestion made with confidence and based on experience.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 勧 (which makes up 勧める) is formed by the radicals 力 (strength) and 龹 (an ancient character that symbolizes "help"). Together, they convey the idea of "using force to assist" or "encouraging with effort." This composition reflects the meaning of the verb well, as 勧める is not a passive recommendation, but rather an active and persuasive one.

It is worth noting that 勧める can also be written in hiragana (すすめる) in informal texts or when the writer wants to avoid the more complex kanji. However, the kanji form is widely recognized and used in written materials, such as books, newspapers, and restaurant menus.

Tips for memorizing 勧める

An effective way to reinforce 勧める is to associate it with practical situations. For example, think of a friend insisting that you try a new Japanese dish: he is literally 勧めている (susumeteiru – "recommending"). This image helps link the word to a real context, making it easier to remember.

Another tip is to practice with simple phrases, such as "何かお勧めですか？" (Nanika osusume desu ka? – "Do you have any recommendations?"). Asking this in stores or restaurants in Japan not only reinforces learning but also shows interest in the local culture. Repeating the verb in different contexts solidifies its meaning and use in memory.

Cultural curiosities about 勧める

In Japan, recommending something is often seen as a gesture of care and attention. When someone 勧める a place or product, they are implicitly taking on some responsibility for the suggestion. This explains why the Japanese tend to be more selective when making recommendations.

In service situations, such as in stores or restaurants, it is common for employees to use 勧める to highlight popular items or specials of the day. This practice not only facilitates the customer's decision but also reflects omotenashi (Japanese hospitality), where the satisfaction of others is a priority.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 勧める

• 勧める - dictionary form
• 勧めます - polite form
• 勧めない - negative form
• 勧めた - past form
• 勧めて - Form Te
• 勧めろ - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• すすめる (sumeru) - Recommend; suggest.
• おすすめする (osusume suru) - Recommend; suggest (a more explicit form of recommendation).
• すすめかた (susume kata) - Form of recommendation.
• すすめ方 (susume kata) - Recommendation mode.
• かんしょうする (kanshō suru) - Appreciate; contemplate (generally used in artistic contexts).
• かんじる (kanjiru) - Feel; perceive.
• すすめあい (susume ai) - Mutual recommendation.
• すすめあう (susume au) - Recommend one another.
• おしえる (oshieru) - Teach; inform.
• おしえかた (oshie kata) - Teaching method.
• おしえ方 (oshie kata) - Teaching method.
• すすめもの (susume mono) - Recommendation; suggestion (generally refers to a recommended item).
• すすめるもの (susumeru mono) - Something that is being recommended.
• すすめること (susumeru koto) - Act of recommending.
• すすめることば (susumeru kotoba) - Words of recommendation.
• すすめること言葉 (susumeru koto kotoba) - Recommendation expression.

勧める

Romaji: susumeru
Kana: すすめる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: recommend; advise; encourage; offer (wine)

Meaning in English: to recommend;to advise;to encourage;to offer (wine)

Definition: to encourage others to do something.

Example Sentences - (勧める) susumeru

See below some example sentences:

この本を勧めます。

Kono hon wo susumemasu

I recommend this book.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 勧めます - verb meaning "recommend"

私はあなたにこの本を勧めます。

Watashi wa anata ni kono hon o susumeru

I recommend this book to you.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• あなた (anata) - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the recipient of the action, in this case "to"
• この (kono) - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 本 (hon) - noun meaning "book"
• を (wo) - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence, in this case "book"
• 勧めます (susumemasu) - verb meaning "recommend"