Translation and Meaning of: 束 - taba

The Japanese word 束[たば] is a versatile term widely used in everyday life in Japan. If you've ever wondered about its meaning, origin, or how to use it correctly, this article will clarify those doubts. We will explore everything from the writing of the kanji to practical usage examples, as well as cultural curiosities that make this word even more interesting. Whether for study or simple curiosity, understanding 束[たば] can enrich your knowledge of the Japanese language.

Meaning and usage of 束[たば]

The term 束[たば] is commonly translated as "bunch" or "bundle." It is used to refer to objects grouped or tied together, such as a bunch of flowers, a bundle of money, or even a package of papers. This word appears in various contexts, from everyday situations to more specific expressions, demonstrating its usefulness in the Japanese vocabulary.

Besides the literal meaning, 束[たば] can also carry a symbolic meaning in certain situations. For example, in traditional ceremonies, a bundle of rice can represent prosperity. This duality between the concrete and the abstract makes the word even richer in nuances, making it important to pay attention to the context in which it is used.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 束 is composed of the radical 木 (tree) and the component 朿, which suggests the idea of something tied or contained. This combination reflects the meaning of the word well, as a bundle or束 often involves objects that are united, such as twigs or leaves. The reading たば is the most common, but the kanji can also be read as そく in some compounds, such as 結束 (けっそく), which means "union" or "cohesion."

Curiously, the kanji 束 also appears in words that are not directly related to physical objects. For example, 束縛 (そくばく) means "restriction" or "limitation," showing how the idea of "tying" can be applied metaphorically. This flexibility makes the study of this character even more fascinating for those who are learning Japanese.

Tips for memorizing and using 束[たば]

An effective way to memorize 束[たば] is to associate it with everyday objects that are naturally grouped, like a bouquet of flowers or a bundle of bills. Visualizing these items can help to solidify the meaning in a more concrete way. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "花の束" (bouquet of flowers) or "札束" (bundle of notes), to get familiar with its usage.

Moreover, paying attention to compound words that include 束 can expand your vocabulary. For example, 束ねる (たばねる) means "to tie" or "to organize into a bundle", while 束の間 (つかのま) refers to a "brief moment". These expressions show how a single word can open doors to various learnings in the Japanese language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 縛り (Shibari) - Linking or restriction, generally applied to objects or people.
• 縄 (Nawa) - Rope, used for tying or fastening.
• 綱 (Tsuna) - A thicker rope or cable, usually used for connecting or tying up.
• 縄張り (Nawabari) - Territory or domain, sometimes linked to spatial restrictions.
• 縛り付ける (Shibaritsukeru) - Tie something firmly.
• 縛る (Shibaru) - To tie or bind, usually with ropes.
• 縛り上げる (Shibariageru) - Tie in an elevated manner or in a fixed position.
• 縛り首する (Shibarikubi suru) - Death penalty by hanging, the act of strangling.
• 縛りつける (Shibaritsukeru) - Tie or connect something firmly, similar to "縛り付ける".
• 縛り込める (Shibirikomeru) - Ability to tie something within a restricted space.

束

Romaji: taba
Kana: たば
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: package; gang; fever; coil

Meaning in English: bundle;bunch;sheaf;coil

Definition: something that is well tied or rolled up.

Example Sentences - (束) taba

See below some example sentences:

私たちは約束を交わしました。

Watashitachi wa yakusoku o kawashimashita

We exchange promises.

We made a promise.

• 私たちは - We
• 約束 - Promise
• を - Direct object particle
• 交わしました - We did

彼は約束を果たした。

Kare wa yakusoku o hatashita

He fulfilled his promise.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "he".
• 約束 - Japanese noun that means "promise".
• を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "promise".
• 果たした - Japanese verb that means "to fulfill".

彼は約束を破った。

Kare wa yakusoku wo yabutta

He broke the promise.

He broke his promise.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
• 約束 - Japanese noun that means "promise"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "promise".
• 破った - The Japanese verb in the past that means "broke" or "violated" is "壊れた" (kowareta).

彼は約束を背いた。

Kare wa yakusoku o somuita

He broke the promise.

He promised.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 約束 - Japanese noun that means "promise"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 背いた - Japanese verb meaning "to break" or "to violate", conjugated in the past tense

彼は紙束を持っている。

Kare wa kamitsuka o motte iru

He is holding a pack of paper.

It has a paper package.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 紙束 - Japanese noun meaning "bundle of paper"
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 持っている - Japanese verb meaning "to have, to possess" in the present continuous.

彼女は彼の束縛に苦しんでいる。

Kanojo wa kare no sokubaku ni kurushinde iru

She is suffering from her restriction.

She is suffering from her restriction.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 彼の - delete
• 束縛 - restriction, imprisonment, limitation
• に - target particle
• 苦しんでいる - is suffering

「彼女との約束は無しです。」

Kanojo to no yakusoku wa nashi desu

There is no promise to her.

• 彼女との約束 - means "commitment to girlfriend"
• は - Topic particle
• 無し - means "there is no"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

拘束された状況から逃れたい。

Kousoku sareta joukyou kara nogaretai

I want to escape the situation where I am restricted.

I want to escape the restricted situation.

• 拘束された - means "to be arrested" or "to be detained".
• 状況 - It means "situation" or "circumstance".
• から - is a particle that indicates "of" or "from".
• 逃れたい - means "wanting to escape" or "wanting to run away".

札束を持っています。

Fudasoku wo motteimasu

I have a pack of notes.

I have a WAD.

• 札束 - It means "bundle of money" in Japanese.
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っています - The conjugated verb "motsu" in the present tense means "have" or "hold".

私は髪を束ねました。

Watashi wa kami o tabanemashita

I tied my hair.

I used my hair.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 髪 - noun that means "hair" in Japanese.
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 束ねました - verb meaning "to tie into a bun" in Japanese, conjugated in the past tense