Translation and Meaning of: 心掛け - kokorogake

The Japanese word 心掛け [こころがけ] is a term that carries a deep and practical meaning, often used in everyday life and in contexts involving self-development. If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japanese culture, understanding the true meaning of this expression can enrich your vocabulary and your perception of how the Japanese view attitudes and behaviors. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and cultural use of 心掛け, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly.

The meaning of 心掛け

Shin-kakuke pode ser translated as "attitude," "disposition," or "intention," but its meaning goes beyond these words. It refers to a mental state in which someone remains conscious and prepared to act in a certain way. For example, a professional who has the 心掛け to always improve their work is constantly alert to opportunities for growth.

The term is also connected to a proactive stance, almost like an internal commitment. It's not just about thinking of doing something, but about cultivating a mindset that influences concrete actions. This nuance is important to differentiate 心掛け from similar words, such as 気持ち (feeling) or 考え (thought).

The origin and the kanjis of 心掛け

The composition of 心掛け helps to understand its meaning. The first kanji, 心 (kokoro), means "heart" or "mind," while 掛け (kake) comes from the verb 掛ける (kakeru), which can mean "to hang," "to apply," or "to put on something." Together, they form the idea of "having something in mind" or "maintaining a predisposition."

It is worth noting that 掛ける is a versatile verb, present in various Japanese expressions. In 心掛け, it takes on a more abstract meaning, related to persistence and continuous attention. This construction is common in terms that describe mental states or lasting behaviors.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 心掛け is often associated with values such as effort, discipline, and continuous improvement. It appears in professional, educational, and even everyday conversations, especially when discussing goals or habits. Companies and schools, for example, may encourage employees and students to have a good 心掛け regarding work and studies.

The word also reflects an important cultural characteristic: the emphasis on the intention behind actions. For the Japanese, it is not enough to simply perform a task; it is essential to do it with the right mindset. This perspective helps explain why 心掛け is so relevant in daily life in Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 心得 (kokoromochi) - Deep understanding or comprehension.
• 心得る (kokoromoru) - Understand or comprehend.
• 心得ている (kokoromiteiru) - Being understanding or having comprehension.
• 心得た (kokoromotta) - Understood.
• 心得させる (kokoromosaseru) - Make someone understand.
• 心得させている (kokoromosaseiteiru) - To make someone understand.
• 心得させた (kokoromosaseta) - I made someone understand.
• 心得し (kokoromoshi) - Verbal form that refers to understanding. It is not common.
• 心得しましょう (kokoromoshimashou) - Let's understand.; suggestion for action.
• 心得すべき (kokoromosubeki) - Duty to understand; strong suggestion.
• 心得て (kokoromote) - Understand or comprehend (imperative form).
• 心得よう (kokoromoyou) - Trying to understand; intention of understanding.
• 心得ようとする (kokoromoyou to suru) - Make an effort to understand.
• 心得られる (kokoromareru) - To be understood or able to understand.
• 心得られた (kokoromareru) - Was understood.
• 心得るべき (kokoromoru beki) - Must understand; obligation to learn.
• 心得るようにする (kokoromoru you ni suru) - Make an effort to understand.
• 心得れば (kokoromoreba) - If understood (conditional).
• 心得れる (kokoromeru) - Ability to understand (informal way).
• 心得ろ (kokoromo ro) - Understand; direct imperative form.
• 心得ろとする (kokoromo ro to suru) - Try to understand; the act of trying.
• 心得ろとしている (kokoromo ro to shiteiru) - Trying to understand.
• 心得ろとしていた (kokoromo ro to shiteita) - I was trying to understand.
• 心得ろとした (kokoromo ro to shita) - I tried to make it understood.
• 心得ろとすれば (kokoromo ro to sureba) - If trying to understand; conditional proposition.
• 心得ろとすればよい (kokoromo ro to sureba yoi) - It would be good if you tried to understand.
• 心得ろとすれば良い (kokoromo ro to sureba yoi) - It would be good if you tried to understand (another way of writing).

心掛け

Romaji: kokorogake
Kana: こころがけ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: readiness; intention; aim

Meaning in English: readiness;intention;aim

Definition: thoughts and attitudes towards things. Work with all your heart.

Example Sentences - (心掛け) kokorogake

See below some example sentences:

心掛けは大切です。

Kokorogake wa taisetsu desu

Having a mindset is important.

Being careful is important.

• 心掛け - means "attitude" or "behavior" in Japanese.
• は - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 大切 - means "important" or "valuable" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate an affirmation or a statement.

「日々心掛けることが大切です。」

Hibi kokorogakeru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to keep in mind every day.

• 日々 - means "every day" or "daily"
• 心掛ける - means "to keep in mind" or "to pay attention to"
• こと - means "thing" or "subject"
• 大切 - means "important" or "valuable"
• です - is a particle that indicates the polite form of the verb "to be"