Translation and Meaning of: 噛る - kajiru

The Japanese word 噛る (かじる, kajiru) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some curiosities that go beyond the literal translation. If you have ever wondered how to memorize this verb or in what contexts it appears, keep reading to find out.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 噛る is defined as "to bite" or "to gnaw," but its usage goes beyond that. Here, we will unravel everything from the writing in kanji to practical examples that help to understand its real application. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to use in conversations, knowing this word can be more useful than you might think.

Meaning and usage of 噛る (かじる)

The verb 噛る (kajiru) has the primary meaning of "to bite" or "to gnaw," usually associated with actions like chewing something hard or taking small bites. For example, it is common to use it to describe when someone gnaws on an apple or a piece of bread. However, it can also appear in more abstract contexts, such as in expressions that indicate a superficial knowledge about a subject.

Unlike other similar verbs, such as 食べる (taberu, "to eat"), 噛る emphasizes the action of biting or gnawing something, and not necessarily swallowing. This distinction is important to avoid confusion when forming sentences. Additionally, in informal situations, it can be used metaphorically, as when someone says they are "gnawing" on a problem, indicating an attempt to resolve it gradually.

Origin and writing of the kanji 噛る

The kanji 噛 is composed of the radical 口 (mouth) combined with 歯 (tooth), reinforcing the idea of an action related to chewing. This visual construction helps associate the character with its main meaning. Although it is not one of the most frequent kanjis in daily life, it appears in words like 噛みつく (kamitsuku, "bite hard") and 噛み砕く (kamikudaku, "crush").

It is worth noting that 噛る can also be written only in hiragana (かじる), especially in informal texts or when the kanji is considered too complex. However, knowing its kanji form is useful for those who want to deepen their studies in the language. One tip to memorize it is to remember that the radical 口 appears in several other kanjis related to actions of the mouth, such as 叫ぶ (sakebu, "to shout").

How 噛る is used in Japanese culture

In Japan, 噛る is not limited to the literal sense of biting. In popular expressions, it can indicate that someone is "nibbling" on a topic without going deep, as in 勉強をかじる (benkyou wo kajiru), which means "to study superficially." This metaphorical use is common in everyday conversations and even on TV shows.

Furthermore, in culinary contexts, the verb is often associated with crunchy foods or those that require chewing, such as せんべいをかじる (senbei wo kajiru, "nibble a rice cracker"). This connection with Japanese gastronomy reinforces how language is linked to cultural habits. If you have ever tried a typical snack from Japan, you have probably practiced the act of かじる without realizing it.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 噛る

噛ます - Causative form
噛maru - Passive form
噛んで - Form yourself
噛んだ - Past form
噛I will see - Polite form

Synonyms and similar words

咬む (kamu) - bite
かむ (kamu) - chew, bite (generally used to describe the act of biting something with the teeth)
かじる (kajiru) - to gnaw, to nibble (generally used to describe the act of gnawing on something or biting in small amounts)