Translation and Meaning of: 家具 - kagu

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 家具[かぐ]. It is common in everyday vocabulary and appears in contexts ranging from anime to daily conversations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and how it is used in Japanese culture. Additionally, you will discover practical tips to memorize it and understand its role in simple sentences.

What does 家具[かぐ] mean?

The word 家具[かぐ] means "furniture" or "mobility." It refers to objects such as chairs, tables, cabinets, and beds — everything that makes up the decoration of a home. Unlike more specific terms like 椅子[いす] (chair) or 机[つくえ] (table), 家具 is a generic term that encompasses various items.

In Japan, the use of 家具 is as common as in Portuguese. You will find it in department stores, real estate listings, and even in dialogue of doramas. Since it is a word used in everyday life, mastering it is essential for anyone who wants to describe environments or shop in the country.

The origin and writing of 家具

The kanji for 家具 is composed of two characters: 家 (house) and 具 (utensil, tool). Together, they form the idea of "household utensils," which makes perfect sense for the meaning of the word. This combination is an example of how kanjis can be logical in their construction.

It is worth noting that 具 alone has other uses, such as in 道具[どうぐ] (tool) or 具合[ぐあい] (physical condition). Meanwhile, 家 appears in terms like 家族[かぞく] (family). Knowing these radicals can help memorize not only 家具 but also other related words.

How to use 家具 in sentences?

One of the simplest ways to use 家具 is in descriptive sentences, such as "この家具は高いです" (kono kagu wa takai desu), which means "This piece of furniture is expensive." It also appears in questions like "どこで家具を買いますか？" (doko de kagu o kaimasu ka?), or "Where do you buy furniture?".

In Japan, specialty stores for 家具 are common, especially in big cities. If you're looking for a specific style, such as Western or traditional Japanese furniture, it’s worth researching terms like 和家具[わかぐ] (Japanese-style furniture) or 北欧家具[ほくおうかぐ] (Scandinavian furniture).

Curiosities about furniture in Japan

In Japan, the way people buy and use furniture is different from many Western countries. Small apartments are common, especially in Tokyo, so multifunctional and compact furniture is popular. Lofts with elevated beds and desks underneath are a classic example.

Another interesting fact is that many Japanese people prefer foldable or easily transportable furniture, as frequent moves are common. If you have watched an anime or dorama, you may have noticed that characters often assemble or disassemble furniture during a move — and the word 家具 appears quite frequently in these contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 家屋具 (Kaoku-gu) - Home appliances
• 家屋備え (Kaoku-sonae) - House preparations
• 家庭用品 (Katei youhin) - household products
• 家庭備品 (Katei bihin) - Home articles
• 家庭用具 (Katei yougu) - Household utensils
• 家庭用備品 (Katei you bihin) - Supplies for home use
• 家庭用品目 (Katei youhin-moku) - List of household products
• 家庭品目 (Katei hinmoku) - Item categories for the home
• 家庭用品品目 (Katei youhin hinmoku) - Classification of household products
• 家庭用品一式 (Katei youhin isshiki) - Complete set of household products
• 家庭用品セット (Katei youhin setto) - Set of household products
• 家庭用品類 (Katei youhin-rui) - Types of household products
• 家庭用品種 (Katei youhin-shu) - Varieties of household products
• 家具品 (Kagu hin) - Furniture articles
• 家具類 (Kagu-rui) - Types of furniture
• 家具種 (Kagu-shu) - Types of furniture
• 家具一式 (Kagu isshiki) - Complete set of furniture
• 家具セット (Kagu setto) - Furniture set
• 家具品目 (Kagu hinmoku) - Classification of furniture items
• 家具類目 (Kagu-rui moku) - Types of furniture
• 家具種目 (Kagu shunmoku) - Furniture categories
• 家具類品 (Kagu-rui hin) - Types of furniture articles
• 家具種類 (Kagu shurui) - Furniture varieties
• 家具セット品 (Kagu setto hin) - Furniture set items
• 家具一式品 (Kagu isshiki hin) - Items of a complete furniture set
• 家具類品目 (Kagu-rui hinmoku) - Classification of types of furniture
• 家具種品目 (Kagu shun hinmoku) - Classification of furniture species

家具

Romaji: kagu
Kana: かぐ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: furniture

Meaning in English: furniture

Definition: Equipment and tools for setting up a room or building.

Example Sentences - (家具) kagu

See below some example sentences:

家具を新しく買い換えたいです。

Kagu wo atarashiku kai kaetai desu

I want to exchange my furniture for new ones.

I want to buy new furniture.

• 家具 (kagu) - furniture
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 新しく (atarashiku) - new
• 買い換えたい (kaikae tai) - want to exchange/buy
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

この家具を壁に据え付ける必要があります。

Kono kagu o kabe ni suetsukeru hitsuyō ga arimasu

It is necessary to install these furniture on the wall.

• この - this
• 家具 - mobile
• を - object particle
• 壁 - wall
• に - Location particle
• 据え付ける - install
• 必要 - necessary
• が - subject particle
• あります - exists

木材は建築や家具作りに欠かせない素材です。

Mokuzai wa kenchiku ya kagu tsukuri ni kakasenai sozai desu

Wood is an indispensable material for construction and furniture.

• 木材 - wood
• 建築 - construction
• 家具作り - furniture manufacturing
• 欠かせない - indispensable
• 素材 - material

私は自分の家具を造ることができます。

Watashi wa jibun no kagu o tsukuru koto ga dekimasu

I can make my own furniture.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 自分 (jibun) - reflexive pronoun meaning "myself"
• の (no) - possessive particle that indicates that something belongs to someone
• 家具 (kagu) - noun that means "furniture"
• を (wo) - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 造る (tsukuru) - verb that means "to do" or "to build"
• こと (koto) - noun that indicates an action or event
• が (ga) - subject particle that indicates who performs the action
• できます (dekimasu) - verb meaning "to be able to" or "to be able to"