Translation and Meaning of: 嘆く - nageku

The Japanese word 「嘆く」 (nageku) carries a deep sense of sadness and lamentation. Etymologically, 「嘆く」 is composed of the kanji 「嘆」, which by itself represents a sigh or groan, symbolizing lamentation or sorrow. This kanji is often associated with the emotional expression of pain. The addition of the verbal suffix く (ku) transforms the expression into a verb, reinforcing the act of expressing sadness.

In terms of use, 「嘆く」 is often used to describe a feeling of lamentation or regret about a specific situation. This verb expresses not only transient sadness but also a type of deeper sorrow, which can include regret or disillusionment. In the Japanese cultural context, where the open expression of emotions can be more restrained, the use of 「嘆く」 may indicate a deeper level of feeling.

Historically, the word has its roots in classical Japanese literature, where feelings such as sadness and lament are recurring themes. Japanese literature, especially during the Heian and Edo periods, often explored the nuances of emotion and human suffering, reflecting the importance of the concept of impermanence. Within this context, 「嘆く」 frequently appears in waka and haiku poetry, illustrating a melancholic or introspective setting.

In modern usage, variants of the word, such as 「嘆き」 (nageki), are used in similar contexts to describe a state of sorrow or discontent. While 「嘆く」 is more active by nature, indicating the act of expressing lament, 「嘆き」 often refers to the resulting state or continuous feeling of lament. This demonstrates the flexibility and emotional depth that the Japanese language can capture through its subtle linguistic variations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 嘆く

嘆く - verb in base form
嘆かない - negative
嘆いた - past
嘆きます - Formal
嘆くこと - Nominal form

Synonyms and similar words

嘆く (nageku) - lament, express sadness.
嘆かれる (nagakareru) - to be regretted, to be the subject of lament.
嘆息する (tansoku suru) - deep sigh, express discouragement.
悲しむ (kanashimu) - feeling sad, experiencing emotional pain.
悲嘆する (hitan suru) - deeply lament, suffer from sadness.
嘆き悲しむ (nakekanashimu) - to regret and feel sad at the same time.
悲しみにくれる (kanashimi ni kureru) - to sink into sadness, to be mired in emotional pain.
嘆きの声を上げる (nake no koe wo ageru) - raising one's voice in lament.
悲しみに沈む (kanashimi ni shizumu) - to sink into sadness, to be consumed by discouragement.
悲嘆に暮れる (hitan ni kureru) - experiencing deep sadness, being in a state of continuous mourning.
嘆きの言葉を述べる (nake no kotoba wo noberu) - to utter words of lament.