Translation and Meaning of: 吐く - tsuku

The Japanese word 吐く[つく] is a verb that carries interesting meanings and various uses in everyday life in Japan. If you are learning Japanese or are just curious about the language, understanding how this word functions can enrich your vocabulary and avoid confusion. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in different contexts, from everyday situations to more specific expressions.

Additionally, we will explore how 吐く relates to Japanese culture and what nuances make it unique. Whether for those studying Japanese or for those seeking accurate information about this word, this text will help clarify doubts and provide valuable insights. Shall we begin?

Meaning and uses of 吐く [つく]

The verb 吐く[つく] has as its main meaning "to vomit" or "to expel," but its usage goes beyond the literal sense. In medical or informal contexts, it is often used to describe the action of vomiting, whether due to illness, intoxication, or other reasons. However, this word can also be used metaphorically, such as in "palavras vomitadas" (言葉を吐く), indicating speaking something abruptly or without a filter.

Another interesting use of 吐く is in expressions like "息を吐く" (to breathe), where the idea of "expelling" applies to the air coming out of the lungs. This versatility means that the verb appears in different situations, from everyday conversations to literary texts. It is worth noting that, depending on the context, it can carry a negative connotation, especially when associated with criticism or intense emotions.

Origin and writing of the kanji 吐

The kanji 吐 is composed of two elements: the mouth radical (口) and the component 土 (earth). This combination suggests the idea of "expelling something from the mouth," which makes sense considering its main meanings. The origin of the character dates back to ancient Chinese, where it was already used with a meaning similar to the current one. Over time, its use became established in Japanese both in medical vocabulary and in everyday language.

One interesting fact about this kanji is that it can also be read as "to" in compounds like "吐血" (とけつ, to spew blood). However, the most common reading is "tsuku" when used in isolation. For those learning Japanese, associating the mouth radical (口) with the act of expelling can be a helpful memorization tip, as it helps visualize the meaning in a more concrete way.

Cultural use and frequency in Japanese

In Japan, 吐く is a word that appears quite frequently, especially in informal or medical contexts. Its use in expressions like "酔って吐く" (vomit from being drunk) is common in conversations among friends, while in hospitals or clinics, the term may be used in a more technical manner. Despite this, it is important to be careful when using it, as it can sound rude or too direct depending on the situation.

Culturally, the act of vomiting is associated with situations such as excessive alcohol consumption, something that can be a taboo in certain social circles. Therefore, although the word is known, it is not always appropriate in formal conversations. In animes and dramas, for example, it often appears in comedic or dramatic scenes, reinforcing its expressive and sometimes intense character.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 吐く

• 吐く - Positive Form
• 吐かない - negative form
• 吐いた - Past
• 吐かせる - Causative
• 吐こう - Potential
• 吐いている - Present Continuous

Synonyms and similar words

• 吐き出す (hakidasu) - Expel, release (something from the body)
• 嘔吐する (outo suru) - Vomit, regurgitate
• 吐き捨てる (hakisuteru) - Throw away, discard (something that has been expelled)
• 吐き戻す (hakimodosu) - Regurgitate, vomit again
• 吐き気がする (hakike ga suru) - Feeling nauseous, wanting to vomit
• 吐き出し (hakidashi) - Expulsion, the act of expelling (something from the body)
• 吐息をつく (toiki wo tsuku) - Sigh, let out a heavy breath

吐く

Romaji: tsuku
Kana: つく
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: 1. breathe; 2. tell (lies); 3. Vomit; to decay

Meaning in English: 1. to breathe; 2. to tell (lies); 3. to vomit;to disgorge

Definition: To force food or liquid out of the mouth. Example: "He drank too much and vomited."

Example Sentences - (吐く) tsuku

See below some example sentences:

唾を吐くな。

Tsuba wo haku na

Don't spit.

• 唾 (tsuba) - saliva
• を (wo) - object particle
• 吐く (haku) - spit, vomit
• な (na) - imperative negation particle

Translation - Do not spit saliva.

私は車の中で吐いてしまった。

Watashi wa kuruma no naka de haiteshimatta

I threw up in the car.

I threw up in the car.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 車 (kuruma) - Japanese noun that means "car"
• の (no) - possessive particle that indicates that the car belongs to someone
• 中 (naka) - Japanese noun meaning "inside"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the place where the action took place
• 吐いてしまった (haite shimatta) - Japanese verb that means "vomited" (in the past and with a connotation of regret)