Translation and Meaning of: 就く - tsuku

The Japanese word 就く[つく] is a verb full of nuances and specific uses that can confuse even intermediate students. If you have ever wondered about its exact meaning, how to use it correctly, or even its origin, this article will clarify those doubts. Here, we will explore everything from the basics to cultural and practical details that make this word an interesting part of the Japanese vocabulary.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 就く is defined as a verb that carries meanings such as "to assume a position," "to formally start something," or even "to settle in a place." But there is much more behind this term, including its use in professional, social, and even philosophical contexts. Let's uncover all of this next.

Meaning and uses of 就く [つく]

The verb 就く is often used to indicate the action of taking on a position or role, especially in formal settings. For example, when someone starts a new job or an important role, it is common to hear phrases like "新しい仕事に就く" (to take on a new job). This usage reflects the formality and significance that the word carries in professional situations.

Additionally, 就く can also mean "to settle" or "to position oneself" in a physical place. A classic example is the expression "席に就く" (to sit in a seat), which demonstrates how the verb can be applied to both concrete and abstract situations. This duality of meanings makes 就く a versatile word, but it requires attention to context.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 就 is composed of two main elements: the radical 尢 (which indicates something related to "limping" or "difficulty") and the part 京 (which originally referred to a capital). Together, these components suggest the idea of "reaching a high position," which makes perfect sense considering the modern meaning of the word. This etymology helps to understand why 就く is so connected to important roles and positions.

Interestingly, the kanji 就 also appears in other words like 就職 (shūshoku - employment) and 就任 (shūnin - inauguration of a position), reinforcing its connection to the professional world. This pattern of vocabulary formation is common in Japanese and can be a great tip for memorizing related terms.

Tips to use 就く correctly

One of the best ways to solidify the use of 就く is to pay attention to the contexts in which it appears. In general, this word is not used in casual situations, but rather in formal conversations, documents, or news. For example, saying "会社に就く" sounds natural for "to enter a company," while using つく for something like "to sit on the couch" would be strange – in that case, other verbs like 座る would be more appropriate.

Another valuable tip is to associate 就く with moments of transition or the beginning of something significant. Whether it’s a career, a political position, or even specialized training, this word almost always indicates an important step. This cultural understanding can prevent many common mistakes among Japanese language learners.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 就く

• 就く: base form
• 就かない: negative
• 就きます: polite form
• 就いて: て form
• 就こう: volitional form

Synonyms and similar words

• 取り組む (torikumu) - Engage in, deal with a problem or task.
• 手をつける (te o tsukeru) - Start working on something or intervene in a situation.
• 着手する (chakushu suru) - Start a job or task, often a project.
• 始める (hajimeru) - Start something in general, without specific context.
• 開始する (kaishi suru) - To formally initiate a process or event.
• 取りかかる (torikakaru) - Start, begin to work on something, especially after a period of preparation.
• 始動する (shidō suru) - To initiate a movement or action, often used in a mechanical or operational context.

就く

Romaji: tsuku
Kana: つく
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: to establish (location); to take (seat position); to study (under a teacher)

Meaning in English: to settle in (place);to take (seat position);to study (under teacher)

Definition: to work, to find a job.

Example Sentences - (就く) tsuku

See below some example sentences:

私は新しい仕事に就くことを決めました。

Watashi wa atarashii shigoto ni tsuku koto o kimemashita

I decided to take on a new job.

I decided to get a new job.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 新しい (atarashii) - 新しい (atarashii)
• 仕事 (shigoto) - 日本語の名詞で「仕事」という意味です。
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the direction or target of an action
• 就く (tsuku) - Japanese verb that means "to assume" or "to start"
• こと (koto) - Japanese noun that indicates an action or event
• を (wo) - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 決めました (kimemashita) - Japanese verb in the past that means "decided"

私は新しい職に就く予定です。

Watashi wa atarashii shoku ni tsuku yotei desu

I have plans to take on a new job.

I intend to get a new job.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 新しい (atarashii) - adjective meaning "new"
• 職 (shoku) - noun that means "work"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the direction or target of the action, in this case "to"
• 就く (tsuku) - verb that means "to assume" or "to occupy"
• 予定 (yotei) - Noun that means "plan" or "schedule"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense of the sentence