Translation and Meaning of: 尖る - togaru

The Japanese word 尖る[とがる] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances both in its meaning and in its everyday use. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your vocabulary and cultural perception. In this article, we will explore the meaning of 尖る, its origin, how it is used in sentences, and some curiosities that can help you remember it better.

尖る is a verb that describes something pointed or sharp, but it can also have a figurative meaning, indicating someone who is tense or irritable. This duality causes the word to appear in various contexts, from physical descriptions to emotional states. In Suki Nihongo, our Japanese dictionary, you will find practical examples to understand how it fits into the daily life of native speakers.

Meaning and usage of 尖る

尖る is a verb that means "to be pointed" or "sharp," but its usage goes beyond the literal sense. When applied to objects, it describes something with a pronounced tip, like a knife or a sharpened pencil. However, when used metaphorically, it can refer to a person who is nervous or defensive, as if they are "sharpening" their words or attitudes.

A common example is the expression 声が尖る (koe ga togaru), which describes someone speaking in a sharp or irritated tone of voice. This type of usage shows how the Japanese language often links physical characteristics to emotional states, creating vivid images in communication. If you've ever heard someone say that a person is "on edge," the idea is similar.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 尖 is composed of two radicals: 小 (small) at the top and 大 (big) at the bottom. This combination suggests something that starts small and expands, like a point that narrows. The origin of the character reinforces its meaning, as the idea of something that "tapers" is directly linked to the concept of sharpness.

Although it is not one of the most common kanji in everyday life, 尖る appears in specific contexts, especially in physical descriptions and emotional metaphors. Its use is more common in written language than in spoken language, but it is still worth knowing, especially if you are deepening your studies in the language.

Trivia and memorization tips

An effective way to remember the meaning of 尖る is to associate it with pointed objects from everyday life, such as needles or pyramids. Visualizing the kanji also helps, as its structure resembles something that becomes thinner at the tip. Another tip is to pay attention to how the word is used in animes or dramas, where characters often show irritation with expressions like 尖った声 (togatta koe).

Additionally, it is worth noting that 尖る is not a word used as frequently as other basic verbs, but understanding it can be useful in specific situations. If you are building a more advanced repertoire of Japanese, including it in your vocabulary can be a differentiator, especially if you want to express emotional nuances or precise descriptions of objects.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 尖る

• 尖る - dictionary form
• 尖れば - Conditional
• 尖った - Past
• 尖っている - Present Continuous
• 尖らせる - Causative

Synonyms and similar words

• 鋭くなる (Eru kunaru) - To become sharp, acute, or penetrating; often related to skills or sensations that become more intense.
• とがる (Togar) - To become pointed or sharp; it can refer to objects that become sharper or to behaviors that become more aggressive.
• 尖り出す (Togaridasu) - To stand out or project in a pointed way; often used to describe physical things that become more prominent.
• 突き出る (Tsukideru) - To project or extend outwards; it refers to something that pushes out or stands out from a surface, often with a sense of being prominent.

尖る

Romaji: togaru
Kana: とがる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: to decrease the point; become sharp; be sour; look displeased

Meaning in English: to taper to a point;to become sharp;to be sour;to look displeased

Definition: has a sharp tip.

Example Sentences - (尖る) togaru

See below some example sentences:

私の気持ちは尖っています。

Watashi no kimochi wa togaratte imasu

My feelings are sharp.

My feelings are clear.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - particle of possession, which indicates that "watashi" is the possessor of something
• 気持ち (kimochi) - noun meaning "feeling" or "emotion"
• は (wa) - thematic particle, which indicates that "kimochi" is the subject of the sentence
• 尖っています (togatte imasu) - compound verb meaning "to be sharp" or "to be pointed"