Translation and Meaning of: 携わる - tazusawaru

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 携わる (たずさわる). This expression carries an interesting meaning and is often used in professional and social contexts in Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in everyday Japanese life. Additionally, we will look at tips to memorize it and understand its usage in different situations.

Meaning and use of 携わる

携わる (たずさわる) is a Japanese verb that means "to be involved in," "to participate in," or "to deal with" something, especially in professional contexts or significant activities. Unlike words like する (to do) or 働く (to work), it conveys a deeper sense of engagement, often related to important projects, research, or causes.

For example, a doctor might say 医療に携わっています (I am involved in the medical field), indicating not only that they work in that area but also that they are committed to it. This nuance makes 携わる more formal and specific, being common in speeches, resumes, and serious conversations.

Origin and composition of kanji

The word 携わる is written with the kanji 携, which carries the meaning of "to carry" or "to take along." This character is composed of the radical 扌 (てへん), related to manual actions, and 龻 (an ancient form of "to unite"). Together, they suggest the idea of "being connected to" or "actively participating in something."

Although it is not one of the most common kanjis in daily life, 携 appears in other words like 携帯 (けいたい - mobile phone, something that is carried) and 提携 (ていけい - partnership). This relationship helps to understand why 携わる has a sense of continuous involvement and not just a fleeting action.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce 携わる is to associate it with situations where there is a lasting commitment. Think of phrases like このプロジェクトに携わっています (I am involved in this project) or 教育に携わる仕事 (a job related to education). Repeating these examples in real contexts helps internalize the verb.

Another tip is to observe its use in news and formal documents, as it is less common in casual conversations. Avoid replacing it with する or やる, as it would lose the nuance of dedication that 携わる carries. With practice, you will naturally identify when it sounds more appropriate.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 携わる

携わる - Positive form
携わらない - negative form
携わります - polite form
携わっています - Continuous form
携わりたい - potential form
携われば conditional form

Synonyms and similar words

関わる (kakawaru) - To be related; to have involvement.
参加する (sanka suru) - Participate; to be present in something.
参与する (sanyo suru) - To be involved; to have active participation.
参画する (sankaku suru) - Contribute; actively participate in a project or activity.
関与する (kan'yō suru) - Engage; to have an active role in something.
関係する (kankei suru) - To relate; to have a connection with something.
交わる (majiwaru) - Interact; to cross paths with.
交じる (majiru) - Blend in; combine.
交わりを持つ (mawari o motsu) - To have interaction; to establish a relationship.
交わりを結ぶ (mawari o musubu) - To form a bond; to establish a relationship.
かかわる (kakawaru) - To be involved; to have a role in something.
かかわりを持つ (kakawari o motsu) - To have a relationship; to be connected.
かかわりを結ぶ (kakawari o musubu) - Establish a relationship; form a bond.