Translation and Meaning of: 去る - saru

The Japanese word 去る [さる] carries deep meanings and various uses in the daily life of Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding how this verb works can enrich your vocabulary and cultural understanding. In this article, we will explore its main meaning, etymological origins, and contexts of use, as well as tips for memorizing this expression that is so present in the Japanese language.

Meaning and use of 去る [さる]

The verb 去る [さる] means "to leave," "to depart," or "to abandon a place." It is often used to indicate an action of physical or temporal distance, such as when someone leaves a location or when a period comes to an end. For example, it can describe a person's departure from a meeting or the end of a season.

In addition to its literal meaning, 去る also appears in more abstract contexts, such as in expressions involving emotional distance or the conclusion of events. Its versatility makes it a useful term in both informal conversations and formal texts, although it is not as common as other movement verbs in everyday use.

Origin and writing of the kanji 去

The kanji 去 is composed of the radical 厶 (a stroke that symbolizes something closed) and the component 土 (earth). Originally, in ancient China, it represented the idea of "separating from a place," which is consistent with its current meaning. This connection between form and meaning helps to understand why the character was chosen to express departure in Japanese.

It is worth noting that 去る is the kun'yomi (Japanese) reading of the kanji, while the on'yomi (Chinese) reading is "kyo" or "ko", as in 過去[かこ] (past). Knowing these variations can help when learning derived or compound words that use the same ideogram.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 去る is to associate it with concrete situations, such as saying goodbye to a friend or the end of an event. Phrases like "彼は去った" (he left) create mental images that make it easier to recall. Another strategy is to contrast it with verbs like 来る[くる] (come), as they represent opposite movements.

It is important to note that 去る has a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to synonyms like 出て行く[でていく]. Therefore, it frequently appears in news, speeches, or narratives, but it can sound artificial in casual conversations. Observing its use in dramas, books, or articles helps internalize when it sounds natural.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 去る

去ります Polite affirmative form
去る - Neutral affirmative form
去っている - Continuous form
去った - past form
去らない - negative form
去られる - passive form
去れる - potential form

Synonyms and similar words

去去 (Kyokyō) - Departure or removal, often used in a poetic way.
去る (Saru) - Leave, exit, or go away; it can indicate a farewell.
逝く (Iku) - To depart, especially in relation to death; to reach the end of life.
去っていく (Satte iku) - Leaving and continuing to go; implies a continuous movement after departure.
去ぬ (Konu) - To depart, especially in a more archaic or literary context.
亡くなる (Nakunaru) - To pass away; a respectful term to refer to death.
旅立つ (Tabidatsu) - To embark on a journey; often used in contexts of a new phase in life or farewell.
去る世界へ行く (Saru sekai e iku) - To depart for another world; a reference to death and the concept of life after death.
訃報を受ける (Fuhō o ukeru) - Receiving news of death; it implies receiving information related to deaths.