Translation and Meaning of: 捨てる - suteru

If you are studying Japanese, you have probably come across the verb 捨てる (suteru). This word appears frequently in everyday life and in various contexts, from informal conversations to more serious situations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical usage, and even some cultural curiosities that help understand how the Japanese view the act of "throwing away." Furthermore, we will see how to memorize it effectively and in which situations it is most commonly used.

Meaning and usage of 捨てる

捨てる (suteru) means "to throw away," "to discard," or "to abandon." It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. For example, when you say ゴミを捨てる (gomi o suteru), you are stating that you are throwing away the trash. This verb can also have a more abstract sense, such as abandoning a habit or even a person.

In Japan, the disposal of items is taken very seriously due to strict recycling rules. Therefore, 捨てる is a word that Japanese people use quite frequently in their daily lives. Knowing how to use it correctly is essential for those who want to communicate naturally in the language.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 捨てる is 捨, composed of the radical 手 (hand) and the component 舎 (house, shelter). This combination suggests the idea of "leaving something behind with the hands." The verb originates from ancient Japanese and retains its central meaning throughout the centuries.

It is worth noting that 捨てる has no common alternative readings, but it can appear in expressions like 見捨てる (misuteru), which means "to abandon someone." This type of usage reinforces the idea of a more definitive abandonment, often filled with emotion.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An efficient way to remember 捨てる is to associate it with everyday situations, like throwing away trash or donating old clothes. Another tip is to create flashcards with practical sentences, such as 古い本を捨てた (furui hon o suteta) – "I threw away the old books."

It is important not to confuse 捨てる with similar verbs, such as 投げる (nageru), which means "to throw." While 捨てる has a sense of permanent disposal, 投げる is more about the physical act of throwing something. Paying attention to these nuances helps avoid common mistakes among students.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

放棄する (hōki suru) - To give up, to renounce something, to abandon a responsibility.
投げ捨てる (nage suteru) - Throw away, discard carelessly.
捨去する (sukeru) - Discard, throw away, especially in contexts of cleaning or organizing.
捨て去る (sute saru) - To get rid of something, to deliberately abandon something.
すてる (suteru) - Discarding, throwing away, can be used in a more general sense.