Translation and Meaning of: 取り組む - torikumu

The word 「取り組む」 (torikumu) is composed of two kanji: 「取」 and 「組」. 「取」 (toru) means "to take" or "to obtain," while 「組」 (kumu) is the kanji for "to assemble" or "to join." Together, they form the verb 「取り組む」, which conveys the idea of addressing a task or problem in an active and engaged manner. In a broader sense, it can be understood as "to commit oneself to" or "to work towards something."

The origin of the term dates back to ancient times in Japan, when it was frequently used in the context of daily tasks or challenges, highlighting the effort and dedication needed to overcome obstacles. The construction of the word emphasizes both the act of committing to a task and the act of putting together efforts or resources to accomplish it. This duality of meaning is essential for understanding how the Japanese approach practical and mental actions.

In modern society, 取り組む has become a common expression in the workplace, especially in contexts where collaboration and teamwork are essential. It is a valued verb in business vocabulary, often used in meetings and discussions to describe commitment to projects or issues. The form of but still remains closely linked to its original meanings of joint dedication and effort.

It is interesting to note that, culturally, the concept of 取り組む also transcends the simple act of working on something. It implies a deep sense of personal and collective responsibility. Often, when facing a new challenge, people may use this word to express not only their intention to actively tackle something but also their commitment to gathering all the necessary resources to achieve a common goal.

This word and its variants play a significant role in daily communication, both written and spoken, encouraging collaboration and common effort towards shared goals. As in many Japanese expressions, the balance between individual action and collective contribution is central to the idea behind 取り組む.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 取り組む

• 取り組む - ます form --> form ending in "masu"
• 取り組みます - ます form present
• 取り組ませる - causative form
• 取り組まれる - passive form
• 取り組める - potential form

Synonyms and similar words

• 取り組み (torikumi) - Effort, undertaking, or project that one is involved in.
• 取りかかる (torikakaru) - Start doing something, begin a job.
• 取りかかり (torikakari) - The beginning or the approach to a task.
• 取り掛かる (torikakaru) - Start or begin working on something.
• 取り組みます (torikumimasu) - Polite way to say that you are getting involved in an effort.
• 取り組みましょう (torikumimashou) - Let's get involved in a joint effort or project.
• 取り組んで (torikunde) - Being involved or engaged in an activity.
• 取り組んでいる (torikunde iru) - Indicates that someone is currently engaged in an effort.
• 取り組んでいます (torikunde imasu) - Polite form that indicates someone is involved in a task.
• 取り組んでいる人 (torikunde iru hito) - Person involved in a project or effort.
• 取り組んでいる人たち (torikunde iru hitotachi) - Group of people engaged in an effort.
• 取り組んでいる方 (torikunde iru kata) - Person who is engaged in a project (respectful form).
• 取り組んでいる方々 (torikunde iru katagata) - Group of people in a similar situation, respectful.
• 取り組むこと (torikumu koto) - The act of engaging or getting involved in something.

取り組む

Romaji: torikumu
Kana: とりくむ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: confront; fight; to engage in a struggle

Meaning in English: to tackle;to wrestle with;to engage in a bout;to come to grips with

Definition: Face a specific task or problem seriously.

Example Sentences - (取り組む) torikumu

See below some example sentences:

熱意を持って取り組むことが成功の鍵です。

Netsui wo motte torikumu koto ga seikou no kagi desu

Working with enthusiasm is the key to success.

• 熱意 (netsui) - enthusiasm, passion
• を (wo) - object particle
• 持って (motte) - having, possessing
• 取り組む (torikumu) - address, deal with
• こと (koto) - Thing, fact
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 成功 (seikou) - sucesso
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 鍵 (kagi) - chave
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense

真剣に取り組みましょう。

Majime ni torikumimashou

Let's approach this seriously.

Let's work seriously.

• 真剣に - adverb that means "seriously"
• 取り組み - Noun meaning "approach", "way of dealing with something"
• ましょう - auxiliary verb indicating future action, in this case, "we will do"

私の部門は新しいプロジェクトに取り組んでいます。

Watashi no bumon wa atarashii purojekuto ni torikunde imasu

My department is working on a new project.

• 私の部門 - "Watashi no bumon" means "my department" in Japanese.
• は - "wa" is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 新しい - "atarashii" means "new" in Japanese.
• プロジェクト - "purojekuto" is a word in Japanese that means "project".
• に - "ni" is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the direction or target of an action.
• 取り組んでいます - "torikundeimasu" is a verbal form in Japanese that means "we are working hard."