Translation and Meaning of: 叶う - kanau

Have you ever wondered how to say "fulfill a wish" or "become a reality" in Japanese? The word 叶う[かなう] carries that deep meaning, linked to achievements and dreams realized. In this article, we will explore its usage, origin, and cultural curiosities, all based on reliable sources like the Suki Nihongo dictionary. Whether you're studying Japanese or just curious about the language, you'll discover nuances here that go beyond simple translation.

The meaning and uses of 叶う

叶う is a Japanese verb that means "to be realized" or "to become reality," especially when it comes to wishes, aspirations, or goals. Unlike words like 実現する (which also indicates realization but in more concrete contexts), 叶う has a more personal and emotional tone. It frequently appears in conversations about personal goals or situations that depend on effort and luck.

An interesting detail is that 叶う is often used in the potential form (叶えられる) or in constructions like 願いが叶う ("the wish comes true"). This flexibility shows how Japanese values the expression of possibilities and desired outcomes. Phrases like 夢が叶った ("the dream came true") are common in success narratives or inspiring stories.

The origin and writing of the kanji 叶

The kanji 叶 is composed of two elements: 口 (mouth) and 十 (ten). Although it seems abstract, this combination symbolizes the idea of "harmony" or "suitable response," according to the Kangorin dictionary. The mouth represents expression, while the ten suggests completeness — as if all the pieces fit together for something to come to fruition. This etymology reflects well the sense of desires being fulfilled when the conditions are aligned.

It is worth noting that 叶う is one of the few verbs in Japanese that uses this specific kanji. It is not as common as other characters, but it appears in proper names and expressions related to achievements. To memorize it, a tip is to associate the radical 口 with the act of "speaking a wish" and the 十 with the "perfection" that arises when it is fulfilled.

Cultural curiosities and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 叶う is a word filled with optimism, often used in New Year speeches or at temples, where people write their wishes on ema (wooden plaques). Popular belief says that by writing 叶う on an ema, the likelihood of the wish coming true increases. This association with traditions shows how the Japanese language blends language and spirituality.

According to the NHK frequency database, 叶う is not among the 3,000 most commonly used words in daily life but is quite frequent in literature, music, and dramas. Its presence in works of fiction—such as animes that deal with overcoming challenges—reinforces its role as a motivational term. It’s no wonder that many Japanese learners encounter it for the first time in J-pop lyrics or series titles.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 叶う

叶える - Verb ichidan type 2 conjugation
叶った - Past form of the verb 叶う
叶っている - Present form of the verb 叶う
叶えられる - Potential form of the verb 叶える
叶おう The volitional form of the verb "叶える" is "to grant/wish for".
叶えよう - Imperative form of the verb "叶える"

Synonyms and similar words

かなう (kanau) - Make it happen, bring it to life
実現する (jitsugen suru) - Carry out, realize something that was planned.
達成する (tassei suru) - Achieving a goal or target
成就する (jouju suru) - To successfully complete, usually something of great importance
取り成す (torinasu) - Intercede, mediate a situation to achieve a favorable outcome.
取り計らう (torikaharau) - Organize, make arrangements for something
取り越し苦労する (torikoshi kurou suru) - Worrying excessively about something that may not happen
取り扱う (toriatsukau) - To deal with, handle, to be responsible for something
取り込む (torikomu) - Include, absorb, incorporate something
取り入れる (toriireru) - Adopt, accept, and include something new
取り戻す (torimodosu) - Recover, restore something that was lost
取り持つ (torimoto) - Connect, act as an intermediary between people
取り引きする (torihiki suru) - Negotiate, conduct business transactions
取り次ぐ (toritsugu) - Transmit, mediate communication
取り立てる (toritateru) - Collect, raise money or debts
取り巻く (torimaku) - Surround, to wrap something or someone from various sides.
取り囲む (torikawaru) - Surround, enclose a specific area or space
取り締まる (torishimaru) - Control, regulate, usually in a legal context
取り消す (torikesu) - Cancel, annul something previously agreed upon
取り替える (torikaeru) - Change, replace something with another thing
取り寄せる (toriyooseru) - Request, make a request to receive something.
取り決める (torikimeru) - Establish, agree on terms or rules
取り払う (toriharau) - Remove, take away something that is obstructing or hindering.
取り換える (torikaeru) - To exchange, to change something for another, usually in a direct manner.
取り組む (torikumu) - Confront, dedicate yourself to solving a problem or situation.