Translation and Meaning of: 受かる - ukaru

If you are studying Japanese, especially for exams like the JLPT, you may have come across the verb 受かる (うかる), which means "to pass" an exam or test. But do you know where this word came from, how it is used in daily life, or even how to memorize it efficiently? In this article, we will explore the etymology, the pictogram, and the meaning of this important word for those preparing for academic or professional challenges. Additionally, you will discover practical sentences to include in your Anki and tips to never forget how to use it correctly.

Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, provides not only the translation but also details about writing and real usage examples. If you've ever wondered why 受かる is so common in conversations about entrance exams or competitions, keep reading—we will unravel all this and a bit more.

Etymology and Origin of 受かる

The word 受かる is formed by the kanji 受 (うけ), which means "to receive" or "to accept," followed by the verbal suffix かる, indicating a passive or spontaneous action. Together, they convey the meaning of "to be approved" or "to pass" something, as if you are receiving a positive result from an exam. Interestingly, this verb is intransitive, meaning it does not require a direct object—unlike its "cousin" 受ける (うける), which means "to take an exam" and is transitive.

One of the most interesting things about this word is how it reflects the Japanese mindset regarding tests and challenges. Passing an exam is not seen merely as an individual merit, but almost like a gift you receive after working hard. Have you thought about that? This cultural nuance is embedded in the kanji itself, which carries the idea of receiving something valuable.

Everyday Lies and Practical Phrases

In Japan, 受かる is one of those words that every student knows well. It appears in conversations about entrance exams, public competitions, and even in company selection processes. A classic phrase is 大学に受かった！ (だいがくにうかった！), which means "I passed the college!". Note that, in Japanese, you don't say "I passed the exam", but rather "I passed the institution"—a subtle but important difference.

Another common use is in expressions of encouragement, such as 絶対受かるよ！ (ぜったいうかるよ！) — "You will definitely pass!". If you are preparing for the JLPT, try creating cards in Anki with phrases like this. Associating the word with real situations helps to embed it in memory naturally, without relying solely on rote memorization.

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

A foolproof way to remember the meaning of 受かる is to think of the kanji 受 as a pair of outstretched hands (⺤) receiving something valuable (冖 + 又). Visualizing this mental image creates a strong connection between the character and the concept of "being approved." Another tip is to use puns—for example, imagining that "if you uca (うか) well on the test, you will 受かる." It may seem silly, but our brain loves creative associations!

In the world of games and anime, this word frequently appears in scenes of characters celebrating approvals. If you are a fan of doramas, you have probably heard shouts of 受かった！ in exciting scenes of entrance exam results. These cultural references are great for learning in a fun way. How about watching an episode today and hunting for examples of 受かる in the dialogue?