Translation and Meaning of: 慕う - shitau

The Japanese word 慕う (したう) carries a deep and emotional meaning, often translated as "to love deeply," "to long for," or "to feel nostalgic." If you are looking to better understand its usage, origin, or how it fits into Japanese culture, this article will explore all of this clearly and practically. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful explanations for students and curious individuals about the Japanese language.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 慕う, we will discuss its cultural context, frequency in daily life, and even tips for memorizing it correctly. Whether to enrich your vocabulary or simply satisfy your curiosity, this guide will help you understand this word thoroughly.

Meaning and usage of 慕う

慕う expresses a feeling of deep affection, often linked to admiration or longing. Unlike other terms like 愛する (to love), it carries a nuance of reverence or nostalgia, as when one misses someone who has left or admires a distant figure. It is common to see it in literary contexts or more emotional conversations, but it is not a word used casually in everyday life.

A classic example is its use to describe affection for a mentor or older person. In Japan, the relationship between master and disciple, or even between generations, is often marked by this type of respectful and warm sentiment. For this reason, 慕う frequently appears in historical narratives or works that explore deep bonds.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 慕 is composed of the radical 心 (heart) at the bottom, which already indicates its connection to feelings. The upper part, 莫, has its origins in an ancient character that suggested "dark" or "hidden," reinforcing the idea of something deep and not superficial. Together, these elements form the notion of an affection that comes from within, often not expressed openly.

It's worth noting that 慕う is not one of the more common verbs in modern Japanese. It appears more in formal texts, poetry, or specific situations where one wants to emphasize an intense emotional bond. Its everyday use is rare, making it a special word for when one wants to convey a more refined or nostalgic feeling.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce 慕う is to associate it with situations of deep admiration, such as respect for a beloved teacher or longing for a loved one. Think of phrases like "慕う気持ち" (feeling of affection) or "師を慕う" (to adore the master) to create strong mental connections. Repeating these structures in real-life contexts helps internalize the vocabulary.

Another tip is to observe its appearance in period dramas or Japanese literature, where the word appears more frequently. Watching works that depict mentor-apprentice relationships, such as some samurai films, can be an immersive way to better understand how and when to use it. Over time, you will naturally absorb its nuances and applications.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 慕う

• 慕う - Positive Form
• 慕わない - negative form
• 慕います - Polished form
• 慕っている - Continuous form
• 慕おう conditional form

Synonyms and similar words

• 憧れる (akogareru) - To desire intensely; to have a longing for something or someone.
• 愛する (aisuru) - Love; deep feeling of affection.
• 尊敬する (sonkei suru) - To respect; to have admiration and regard for someone.
• 敬う (uyamau) - Honor; to show respect and reverence.
• 崇拝する (suhai suru) - To revere; to worship or have intense devotion.
• 慕わしい (shitawashii) - Dear; it evokes love and affection.
• 恋い慕う (koi shita u) - To feel intense love and longing; to affectionately desire someone.

慕う

Romaji: shitau
Kana: したう
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: long for; lose; adore; love very much

Meaning in English: to yearn for;to miss;to adore;to love dearly

Definition: Feeling deeply loved by your loved ones.

Example Sentences - (慕う) shitau

See below some example sentences:

私は彼女を慕っています。

Watashi wa kanojo wo shitau shiteimasu

I admire her.

I long for it.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 彼女 (kanojo) - noun meaning "her" or "girlfriend"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 慕っています (shitatteimasu) - verb meaning "to adore" or "to have affection for" conjugated in the present continuous