Translation and Meaning of: 吊る - tsuru

The Japanese word 吊る[つる] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances in both its meaning and everyday use. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding verbs like this can open doors to more natural communication. In this article, we will explore the meaning of 吊る, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and even some curiosities that can aid in memorization.

Additionally, we will see how this verb relates to practical situations, from literal contexts to less obvious expressions. Whether to hang something physically or in a more metaphorical sense, 吊る is a versatile word worth knowing. Shall we begin?

Meaning and usage of 吊る [つる]

The verb 吊る [つる] essentially means "to hang" or "to suspend". It is used when something is placed in an elevated position, usually attached by a rope, hook, or another support. For example, you can use it to describe the action of hanging clothes on a clothesline or a lamp from the ceiling. The simplicity of the term makes it common in everyday conversations.

However, 吊る can also appear in darker contexts, such as references to hangings or brutal suspensions. This double meaning requires attention, as the tone of the conversation can change drastically depending on the situation. Therefore, it's important to be aware of the context in which the word is used.

Origin and writing of the kanji 吊

The kanji 吊 is composed of the radical 口 (mouth) and the component 巾 (cloth, towel). This combination suggests the idea of something being held or suspended, like a hanging cloth. Although it is not one of the more common kanjis in modern Japanese, its structure helps to understand its relation to the act of hanging.

It is worth noting that 吊る is a group 1 (godan) verb, which means that its conjugation follows a specific pattern. For example, in the negative form, it becomes 吊らない (tsuranai), and in the past, 吊った (tsutta). Knowing these variations is essential for using the verb correctly in different tenses and moods.

Trivia and memorization tips

An effective way to remember the meaning of 吊る is to associate it with everyday situations. Imagine someone hanging a picture on the wall or a hammock between two trees. These concrete images help to fix the word in memory. Furthermore, the sound "tsu" can remind you of the noise of something being stretched or tense, like a rope.

Another interesting aspect is that 吊る is rarely used in idiomatic expressions or proverbs, unlike other more versatile verbs. This reinforces its practical and straightforward nature. If you are learning Japanese, focusing on real examples and avoiding abstract interpretations may be the best strategy to master this term.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 吊る

• 吊る - base form
• 吊らない - Negative
• 吊ります - Formal
• 吊れ - imperative
• 吊れない - Potential

Synonyms and similar words

• 吊り上げる (tsuriageru) - Lift, raise something suspended.
• 吊り下げる (tsurisageru) - Hang it, suspend something down.
• 吊り下ろす (tsuriorosu) - Download something that was suspended.

吊る

Romaji: tsuru
Kana: つる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: to hang

Meaning in English: to hang

Definition: Hang something with a rope, etc.

Example Sentences - (吊る) tsuru

See below some example sentences:

彼は自分の部屋にランプを吊るした。

Kare wa jibun no heya ni ranpu o tsuru shita

He hung a lamp in his room.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - Yourself
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 部屋 (heya) - Room, living room
• に (ni) - Location particle
• ランプ (ranpu) - lamp
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 吊るす (tsurusu) - to hang
• た (ta) - past form of the verb

彼は犬を吊るした。

Kare wa inu o tsurushta

He hung the dog.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he".
• 犬 - Japanese noun that means "dog"
• を - object particle in Japanese, indicating that the dog is the object of the action
• 吊るした - Japanese verb that means "to hang" or "to suspend," conjugated in the past.