Translation and Meaning of: 役 - eki
The Japanese word 役[えき] (eki) is a versatile term frequently used in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the meaning and use of this word, this article will explore its basic translation as well as relevant cultural contexts. Here at Suki Nihongo, we always strive to provide clear and practical explanations for those who want to master the language.
Meaning and translation of 役[えき]
In its simplest form, 役[えき] can be translated as "function," "role," or "service." Depending on the context, it can also mean "benefit" or "utility." This word is often used in everyday situations, such as in jobs, tasks, or even in discussions about the importance of something.
A common example is the expression 役に立つ (やくにたつ - yaku ni tatsu), which means "to be useful" or "to serve a purpose." This phrase is widely used in Japan, both in professional and informal settings, demonstrating how the term is deeply rooted in daily communication.
Origin and writing of the kanji 役
The kanji 役 is composed of the radical 彳 (which indicates movement or path) and the component 殳 (related to actions or blows). This combination suggests the idea of a function that involves movement or activity, reinforcing the meaning of "role" or "task." The pronunciation えき (eki) is one of the kun'yomi readings, commonly used in native Japanese words.
It is worth noting that 役 can also be read as "yaku" in other contexts, such as in 役者 (yakusha - actor) or 役所 (yakusho - public office). This variation in reading is common in Japanese and requires students' attention to avoid confusing the uses.
How to memorize and use 役[えき] in daily life
A practical tip to remember the meaning of 役 is to associate it with situations where something or someone has a specific role. For example, think of an actor (役者) who plays an important part in a play. This image can help reinforce the concept of "function" or "service".
Additionally, try using the word in simple sentences, such as この本は役に立つ (kono hon wa yaku ni tatsu - "This book is useful"). The more you practice in real contexts, the more natural your learning will be. Japanese is a language that values practical application, so don't be afraid to test your knowledge.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 役割 (yakuwari) - Role; function
- 任務 (ninmu) - Mission; task
- 使命 (shimei) - Mission; duty (more oriented towards moral or ethical meaning)
- 職務 (shokumu) - Duty; professional responsibility
- 仕事 (shigoto) - Work; occupation
- 任せ (makase) - Delegation; trusting someone to do something
- 任せる (makaseru) - Delegate; to trust someone
Related words
Romaji: eki
Kana: えき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: war; campaign; battle
Meaning in English: war;campaign;battle
Definition: Yaku means to fulfill a certain position or duty.
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How to Write in Japanese - (役) eki
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (役) eki:
Example Sentences - (役) eki
See below some example sentences:
Seizōgyō wa Nihon no keizai ni totte jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu
The manufacturing industry plays an important role in the economy of Japan.
The manufacturing industry plays an important role in the Japanese economy.
- 製造業 - Manufacturing industry
- は - Topic particle
- 日本の - From Japan
- 経済にとって - For the economy
- 重要な - Important
- 役割を果たしています - Plays a role
Kakitori wa nihongo no benkyou ni totemo yakudachimasu
Writing is very useful for studying Japanese.
Writing is very useful for studying Japanese.
- 書き取り - WRITING
- は - Topic particle
- 日本語 - Japanese language
- の - Possession particle
- 勉強 - study
- に - target particle
- とても - very
- 役立ちます - To be useful
Seiji wa kokka no hatten ni totte juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashiteimasu
Politics plays an important role in the country's development.
Politics plays an important role in the development of the nation.
- 政治 (seiji) - politics
- 国家 (kokka) - Estado, nação
- 発展 (hatten) - development
- にとって (ni totte) - for, in relation to
- 重要な (juuyou na) - important
- 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
- を果たしています (wo hatashite imasu) - performs
Yaku ni tatsu jōhō o sagashite imasu
I am looking for useful information.
I am looking for useful information.
- 役に立つ - useful
- 情報 - information
- を - direct object particle
- 探しています - searching
Yakusha wa butai de kagayaku
The actors shine on stage.
The actors shine on stage.
- 役者 - actors/actresses
- は - Topic particle
- 舞台 - stage
- で - Location particle
- 輝く - shine
Kōgyō wa Nihon no keizai ni totte jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu
Industry plays an important role in the economy of Japan.
Industry plays an important role in the Japanese economy.
- 工業 (kougyou) - industry
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 日本 (nihon) - Japan
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 経済 (keizai) - economy
- にとって (nitotte) - for
- 重要な (juuyouna) - important
- 役割 (yakuwari) - paper
- を果たしています (wo hatashiteimasu) - performs
Fujin wa shakai no juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashiteimasu
Women play an important role in society.
Women play an important role in society.
- 婦人 - woman
- は - Topic particle
- 社会 - society
- の - Possession particle
- 重要な - important
- 役割 - role/function
- を - direct object particle
- 果たしています - performing
Gakujutsu kenkyū wa shakai ni kōken suru jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu
Academic research plays an important role in contributing to society.
Academic research plays an important role in contributing to society.
- 学術研究 - gakujutsu kenkyuu- academic research
- は - wa- Topic particle
- 社会 - shakai- society
- に - ni- target particle
- 貢献する - kouken suru- contribute
- 重要な - juuyou na- important
- 役割 - role- Paper, function
- を - I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.- direct object particle
- 果たしています - hatashite imasu- perform, fulfill
Chishitsugaku wa chikyū no rekishi o kaimei suru tame ni jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu
Geology plays an important role in understanding earth history.
Geology plays an important role in the elucidation of earth history.
- 地質学 - geological science
- 地球 - Planet Earth
- 歴史 - history
- 解明する - clarify
- ために - for
- 重要な - important
- 役割 - paper
- 果たしています - performs
Sutyuwaadesu wa hikouki no anzen wo mamoru tame ni juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu
Stewardesses play an important role in the safety of planes.
The air hostess plays an important role to protect the safety of planes.
- スチュワーデス - Japanese word meaning "flight attendant".
- は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "flight attendant".
- 飛行機 - Japanese word meaning "plane".
- の - possession particle that indicates that the object of the sentence is "plane safety".
- 安全 - Japanese word meaning "security".
- を - object particle indicating that "security" is the direct object of the action.
- 守る - Japanese verb meaning "protect" or "maintain".
- ために - Japanese expression meaning "for" or "in order to".
- 重要な - adjective in Japanese meaning "important".
- 役割 - Japanese word meaning "role" or "function".
- を - object particle indicating that "paper" is the direct object of the action.
- 果たしています - verb in Japanese meaning "to perform" or "to fulfill".