Translation and Meaning of: 掲げる - kakageru

Learning Japanese words like 掲げる (kakageru) can be a challenge, but it's also a gateway to understanding the cultural and grammatical nuances of the language. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this verb, which appears in both formal and everyday contexts. If you've ever wondered how to memorize it or why it is written with these kanji, keep reading to find out.

The meaning and uses of 掲げる

掲げる (kaka geru) is a verb that means "to raise," "to display," or "to publicly declare." It is often used in situations where something is raised physically, such as a flag, or metaphorically, like an ideal. For example, protesters may 掲げる posters during a protest, while a company may 掲げる a new policy on its website.

An interesting feature of this verb is its application in both concrete and abstract contexts. Unlike words like 持つ (motsu, "to carry"), 掲げる implies an intention to show something to others, whether it's an object or an idea. This duality makes it useful in formal conversations and speeches.

The origin and writing of kanji

The verb 掲げる is composed of the kanjis 掲 (kei) and げる (geru). The first character, 掲, combines the radical 扌(てへん), related to manual actions, with 曷 (katsu), which suggests sound or resonance. This combination reinforces the idea of "raising it so that everyone can see." Interestingly, the same kanji appears in words like 掲示板 (keijiban), which means "bulletin board."

Although it is not one of the most commonly used verbs in daily life, 掲げる appears regularly in newspapers, political speeches, and institutional materials. Its presence in these contexts shows that it carries a more formal tone, being less common in casual conversations among friends.

Tips for memorizing and using 掲げる

An effective way to remember 掲げる is to associate it with situations where something is displayed publicly. Think of sports events, where flags are raised, or companies that "lift" new values. This mental image helps to distinguish it from verbs like 上げる (ageru), which has a more generic meaning of "to elevate."

Another strategy is to practice with short and direct sentences. For example: "彼は目標を掲げた" (Kare wa mokuhyou o kakageta) – "He set a goal". Repeating this type of construction out loud or writing it down on flashcards can speed up learning. If you use Suki Nihongo, our dictionary offers additional examples to consolidate vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 掲げる

掲げる - dictionary form
掲げた - Past
掲げている - Present Continuous
掲げよう - Volitional future
掲げれば - Conditional
掲げればいい - Suggestion/conditional

Synonyms and similar words

掲示する (Keiji suru) - Display; to put on display, usually in public places.
示す (Shimesu) - Show; indicate; present in a general way.
張り出す (Haridasu) - To stick or affix (something) prominently; it can imply something like a notice or poster.
貼り出す (Haridasu) - Paste or affix, usually refers to the act of placing papers or announcements on a specific surface.
立てる (Tateru) - Raise; lift; make something stand up, often used to describe the creation or installation of something.
示唆する (Shisa suru) - Suggest; insinuate; give a hint or indication, usually indirectly.
示威する (Jiwai suru) - Manifest; demonstrate (usually in a context of protest or public demonstration).