Translation and Meaning of: 摘む - tsumamu

If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, you may have encountered the word 摘む[つまむ]. It appears in everyday contexts and can have interesting nuances for those who want to better understand the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used by Japanese people in daily life. Additionally, we will look at some tips for memorizing it and curiosities that go beyond the dictionary.

The verb 摘む is quite versatile and appears in situations ranging from physical actions to more abstract expressions. If you've used Suki Nihongo to search for Japanese terms, you know that understanding a word goes far beyond the literal translation. Here, we will uncover the details that make 摘む such a useful and prevalent word in Japanese communication.

Meaning and usage of 摘む

The verb 摘む[つまむ] means "to pick something up with the fingers" or "to pinch lightly." It is used when someone holds a small object, like a grain of beans or a piece of paper. For example, if you are eating a snack and pick up a peanut with your fingers, you are practicing 摘む. The action is delicate and precise, unlike holding something tightly.

In addition to its physical meaning, 摘む can also appear in more metaphorical contexts. In conversations, it can be used to describe the action of "grasping" an important detail or "picking out" specific information. This flexibility makes the word useful in both everyday situations and more elaborate discussions.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 摘む is 摘, composed of the radical for hand (扌) and the top part that suggests the idea of selection or choice. This combination reflects well the meaning of the word, as it involves using fingers to pick or separate something. The origin of the kanji dates back to ancient Chinese, where it already carried the notion of "to pick" or "to select."

It is worth noting that 摘む is not an extremely common verb, but it appears often enough to be recognized by native speakers. It is not used as frequently as more generic verbs like 取る (to take) or 持つ (to hold), but it has its place in contexts that require precision or delicacy in the action.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 摘む is to associate it with practical situations, such as cooking or organizing small objects. If you have ever seen someone preparing sushi, for example, you may have noticed the chef using their fingers to 摘む ingredients carefully. This image helps to solidify the meaning more concretely.

Interestingly, 摘む also appears in expressions like 摘み食い (つまみぐい), which means "nibbling food" before the main meal. This type of usage shows how the word is rooted in Japanese cultural habits, especially those related to eating and table etiquette.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 摘む

• 摘む - Infinitive base form
• 摘まない - Negative
• 摘める - Potential
• 摘んで - て form imperative
• 摘みます - polite form

Synonyms and similar words

• 摘み取る (tsumitoru) - Harvest, pick (fruits, flowers)
• 摘み取り (tsumitori) - Action of collecting or picking up
• 摘む (tsumu) - Grab, hold (with fingers)

摘む

Romaji: tsumamu
Kana: つまむ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: catch; hold; grab

Meaning in English: to pinch;to hold;to pick up

Definition: Take something and pull it up.

Example Sentences - (摘む) tsumamu

See below some example sentences:

摘んで食べると美味しいです。

Tsumande taberu to oishii desu

It is delicious when harvested and eaten.

• 摘んで - Means "to collect" or "to harvest" in Japanese.
• 食べる - It means "eat" in Japanese.
• と - It is a Japanese particle that indicates a cause and effect relationship, in this case, "when."
• 美味しい - It means "delicious" or "tasty" in Japanese.
• です - It is a Japanese particle that indicates a formal declaration, in this case, "it is"