Translation and Meaning of: 映す - utsusu

If you have ever watched a Japanese film or seen a shadow casting on the wall, you may have come across the verb 映す (うつす), which carries meanings such as "to project", "to reflect", or "to cast a shadow". But what makes this word so interesting? In this article, we will explore everything from its etymology to its everyday use, including tips for memorization and even curiosities that make it more than just a simple verb. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find practical examples to include in your Anki and truly master this visual term.

Etymology and Composition of the Kanji

The kanji 映 is composed of two elements: the radical 日 (sun) and the component 央 (center). Together, they suggest the idea of "reflected light" or "projected image," which perfectly explains the meanings associated with 映す. Interestingly, this same kanji appears in words like 映画 (eiga), which means "movie" — after all, cinema is nothing more than light projected onto a screen, right?

In ancient writing, the character already carried the notion of "shine" or "illumination," reinforcing its connection with the projection of images. If you look closely, even the shape of the kanji resembles a window letting light through. This visual connection can be a great tip for memorization: whenever you see 映, think of something that "captures and reflects" light, whether it's a mirror, a shadow, or even a movie screen.

Everyday use and popular expressions

In everyday life, 映す appears in surprisingly varied contexts. A classic example is in the phrase 鏡に姿を映す (kagami ni sugata o utsusu), which means "to reflect the image in the mirror". But it can also describe the shadow of a tree projecting on the ground (木の影を地面に映す) or even the transmission of a game on TV (試合をテレビに映す). Do you notice how the verb connects the physical and the abstract?

A tip to avoid confusion: while 写す (utsusu) refers to copying or photographing, 映す always involves some type of projection or reflection. Have you ever imagined the romantic scene of a couple seeing their reflection 映る (utsuru) in a lake? Indeed, this is the intransitive form of the same verb — yet another gem for your repertoire of authentic Japanese.

Curiosities and frequently searched topics

Those who search for 映す on Google often wonder about the difference between this verb and other similar ones, like 反射する (hansha suru). The key lies in the detail: while "to reflect" in the scientific sense uses 反射, the term we study here has a more poetic and everyday touch. Another common question is about the reading — after all, why うつす and not えいす? The answer lies in the historical evolution of the language, where the kun'yomi (Japanese reading) prevailed for this specific verb.

To conclude with an unforgettable image: think of the last sunset you saw. If those vibrant colors were being 映し出される (utsushidasareru) on a glass building, now you know exactly which verb would describe that scene. How about practicing by creating your own sentence with 映す today?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 映す

映す - te-form
映す - affirmative tense
映さない - Negative present
映せ - affirmative imperative

Synonyms and similar words

映し出す (Utsushidasu) - Reproduce, show (something on a screen)
投影する (Tōei suru) - Project (an image, usually on a screen or surface)
画面に映す (Gamen ni utsusu) - Display on screen
映像化する (Eizōka suru) - Transform into image or video (adapt a story into an audiovisual format)