Translation and Meaning of: 属する - zokusuru

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 属する (ぞくする – zokusuru). It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to formal texts, and understanding its meaning can open doors to a deeper comprehension of the language. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in Japan, and tips for memorizing it effectively.

属する is a verb that carries important nuances in Japanese communication. Its use goes beyond simple translation, reflecting relationships of belonging and connection in different spheres of life. Let's explore its origin and practical examples, so you can apply it confidently in your studies or conversations.

Meaning and usage of 属する

In its essence, 属する means "to belong to," "to be linked to," or "to be part of." Unlike more generic words like ある (aru – to exist) or いる (iru – to be), it carries the idea of an active relationship with a group, organization, or category. For example, one can say that a person 属する to a company, or that an animal 属する to a certain species.

The verb is often used in formal and academic contexts, but it also appears in everyday life. An interesting characteristic is that it implies a deeper connection than just a temporary association. When something 属する to a set, there is a notion of shared identity or common characteristics.

Origin and composition of kanji

The word 属する is composed of the kanji 属, which by itself carries the meaning of "to belong" or "to be affiliated with." This character is formed by the combination of the radical 尸 (which represents something related to the body) with 蜀 (an ancient Chinese character that here functions as a phonetic element). This structure reinforces the idea of something that is intrinsically connected to another element.

Interestingly, the kanji 属 also appears in other important words, such as 所属 (shozoku – affiliation) and 属性 (zokusei – attribute). This pattern of formation helps to understand how the Japanese language constructs families of words with related meanings, something valuable for those who are learning.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to solidify 属する is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of groups you belong to – whether it's a school, team, or community – and create simple sentences like "私はサッカークラブに属しています" (Watashi wa sakkā kurabu ni zokushite imasu – I belong to a soccer club). This type of contextualized exercise helps to internalize the verb.

Another strategy is to observe how 属する appears in authentic materials. News about politics frequently mention that a politician 属する to a certain party. Nature documentaries use the term to talk about species that 属する to a specific genus. This natural exposure to the vocabulary reinforces both the meaning and the appropriate use.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 属する

• 属する - Standard shape
• 属します - polite form
• 属させます - causative form
• 属されます - passive form

Synonyms and similar words

• 所属する (shozoku suru) - Belonging, being a member of an organization or group.
• 属す (zoku su) - To belong, to be part of something, used in more formal contexts.
• 所属させる (shozoku saseru) - To cause someone to belong to a group or organization, to make someone a member.

属する

Romaji: zokusuru
Kana: ぞくする
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: belong to; move away; be affiliated; be subject to

Meaning in English: to belong to;to come under;to be affiliated with;to be subject to

Definition: Indicates that it is included in another set or category. For example, "Cats belong to animals".

Example Sentences - (属する) zokusuru

See below some example sentences:

私はそのグループに属する。

Watashi wa sono gurūpu ni zokushimasu

I belong to that group.

I belong to the group.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• その - 日本語の指示代名詞で「それ」にあたるのは「あれ」です。
• グループ - Japanese noun that means "group"
• に - Japanese particle that indicates the direction or target of the action, in this case, "belong to."
• 属する - Japanese verb that means "to belong to"

衆議院は日本の国会の一つです。

Shugiin wa Nihon no kokkai no hitotsu desu

The House of Representatives is one of the Japanese houses of parliament.

The House of Representatives is one of the Japanese diet.

• 衆議院 - Shugiin (House of Representatives)
• は - Topic particle
• 日本 - Nihon (Japan)
• の - Possession particle
• 国会 - Kokkai (Parliament)
• の - Possession particle
• 一つ - hitotsu (um)
• です - desu (is)

この商品はどのカテゴリーに属していますか？

Kono shouhin wa dono kategori ni zokushiteimasu ka?

In what category does this product belong to?

What category does this product belong to?

• この商品 - This Product
• は - Topic particle
• どの - "which"
• カテゴリー - "category"
• に - target particle
• 属していますか - "does it belong?" (polite form)

人事を担当する部署に所属しています。

Jinji wo tantou suru busho ni shozoku shiteimasu

I belong to the department responsible for personnel matters.

I belong to a department in charge of HR.

• 人事 - Human resources
• を - object particle
• 担当する - Responsible for
• 部署 - Department
• に - Destination particle
• 所属しています - Is affiliated