Translation and Meaning of: 果たして - hatashite

The Japanese word 果たして [はたして] is a term that arouses curiosity both for its meaning and its peculiar use in the Japanese language. In this article, we will explore what this expression represents, how it is used in daily life, and the contexts in which it appears most frequently. If you are studying Japanese or simply have an interest in the language, understanding 果たして can enrich your vocabulary and cultural understanding.

In addition to uncovering the meaning and translation of 果たして, we will explore its origin, practical usage examples, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides accurate information so you can master this word without difficulty. Shall we begin?

Meaning and translation of 果たして

The word 果たして carries a tone of doubt or expectation, often translated as "really," "will," or "after all." It is used to express uncertainty or to reinforce a rhetorical question, emphasizing surprise or distrust regarding something. For example, in a sentence like 果たして彼は来るかな？ ("Will he really come?"), the speaker demonstrates doubt about the occurrence.

It is worth noting that 果たして is not a word used casually in all situations. Its use is more common in formal or narrative contexts, such as in speeches, written texts, and even in dialogues from animes and dramas. This nuance makes it less frequent in everyday colloquial Japanese, but it is still essential for anyone who wishes to master the language in its entirety.

Origin and cultural use of 果たして

The origin of 果たして is linked to the verb 果たす (hatasu), which means "to fulfill" or "to realize." This connection suggests that, at its root, the word carries the idea of something that has been completed or is being questioned regarding its outcome. Over time, its usage evolved to express doubt or reflection, becoming an emphatic particle in interrogative sentences.

In Japan, 果たして is perceived as a word that adds drama to speech. Therefore, it is common to find it in stories, debates, and situations where the speaker wants to provoke reflection. In animes, for example, it often appears in moments of suspense or when a character questions their own actions. This characteristic makes it a valuable expression for those who wish to understand the language beyond the basics.

Tips to memorize 果たして

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 果たして is to associate it with situations of doubt or expectation. Think of phrases like "Is it going to rain?" or "Did he really say that?" and try to replace the beginning with 果たして. This exercise helps internalize the context in which the word is used, making it easier to apply in the future.

Another tip is to consume content in Japanese that uses this expression, such as news, podcasts, or series. By hearing 果たして in real contexts, your brain will naturally start to recognize it and use it correctly. Suki Nihongo also offers practical examples that can be helpful in this learning process.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 果たして (hata shite) - really, in fact
• いかに (ika ni) - how, in what way
• いったい (ittai) - What, how so (used to express surprise or confusion)
• 本当に (hontō ni) - Really, truly
• 結局 (kekkyoku) - In the end, after all
• 実際に (jissai ni) - In reality, really
• まさか (masaka) - No way, it can't be (used to express disbelief)

果たして

Romaji: hatashite
Kana: はたして
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: as was expected; really

Meaning in English: as was expected;really

Definition: Feeling anxious about whether you will succeed or not.

Example Sentences - (果たして) hatashite

See below some example sentences:

地質学は地球の歴史を解明するために重要な役割を果たしています。

Chishitsugaku wa chikyū no rekishi o kaimei suru tame ni jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Geology plays an important role in understanding earth history.

Geology plays an important role in the elucidation of earth history.

• 地質学 - geological science
• 地球 - Planet Earth
• 歴史 - history
• 解明する - clarify
• ために - for
• 重要な - important
• 役割 - paper
• 果たしています - performs

スチュワーデスは飛行機の安全を守るために重要な役割を果たしています。

Sutyuwaadesu wa hikouki no anzen wo mamoru tame ni juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Stewardesses play an important role in the safety of planes.

The air hostess plays an important role to protect the safety of planes.

• スチュワーデス - Japanese word meaning "flight attendant".
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "flight attendant".
• 飛行機 - Japanese word meaning "plane".
• の - possession particle that indicates that the object of the sentence is "plane safety".
• 安全 - Japanese word meaning "security".
• を - object particle indicating that "security" is the direct object of the action.
• 守る - Japanese verb meaning "protect" or "maintain".
• ために - Japanese expression meaning "for" or "in order to".
• 重要な - adjective in Japanese meaning "important".
• 役割 - Japanese word meaning "role" or "function".
• を - object particle indicating that "paper" is the direct object of the action.
• 果たしています - verb in Japanese meaning "to perform" or "to fulfill".

オートメーションは生産性を向上させるために重要な役割を果たしています。

Ootomeeshon wa seisansei wo koujou saseru tame ni juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Automation plays an important role in improving productivity.

Automation plays an important role in improving productivity.

• オートメーション - automation
• は - Topic particle
• 生産性 - Productivity
• を - Direct object particle
• 向上させる - Improve
• ために - For
• 重要な - Important
• 役割 - Paper
• を果たしています - Perform

メディアは情報を伝える重要な役割を果たしています。

Mēdia wa jōhō o tsutaeru jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

The media plays an important role in communicating information.

• メディア (Media) - media
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 情報 (jouhou) - information
• を (wo) - object particle
• 伝える (tsutaeru) - transmit
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を (wo) - object particle
• 果たしています (hatashiteimasu) - perform, fulfill

器官は体内の重要な役割を果たしています。

Kikan wa tainai no juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Organs play an important role in the body.

Organs play an important role in the body.

• 器官 (Kikan) - organs
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 体内 (Tainai) - inside the body
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 果たしています (hatashiteimasu) - performing

大臣は政治家の中でも重要な役割を果たしています。

Daijin wa seijika no naka demo juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Ministers play an important role among politicians.

The minister plays an important role among politicians.

• 大臣 - minister
• は - Topic particle
• 政治家 - political
• の - Possessive particle
• 中でも - Especially among
• 重要な - Important
• 役割 - role/function
• を - Direct object particle
• 果たしています - performs (present progressive)

女性は社会において重要な役割を果たしています。

Josei wa shakai ni oite juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Women play an important role in society.

• 女性 - Women
• は - Topic particle
• 社会 - Society
• において - na
• 重要な - Important
• 役割 - Paper
• を果たしています - perform

昆虫は自然の中でとても重要な役割を果たしています。

Kunchū wa shizen no naka de totemo jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Insects play a very important role in nature.

• 昆虫 (konchuu) - Insects
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自然 (shizen) - nature
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 中で (chuu de) - Inside of
• とても (totemo) - very
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 役割を果たしています (yakuwari wo hatashite imasu) - play a role

民間企業は経済の発展に重要な役割を果たしています。

Minkan kigyou wa keizai no hatten ni juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Private companies play an important role in the development of the economy.

• 民間企業 - Private companies
• は - Topic particle
• 経済 - economy
• の - Possession particle
• 発展 - development
• に - target particle
• 重要 - important
• な - adjective particle
• 役割 - role/function
• を - direct object particle
• 果たしています - perform (verb)

海運は国際貿易にとって重要な役割を果たしています。

Kaiun wa kokusai bōeki ni totte jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Maritime transport plays an important role in international trade.

The transport of water plays an important role in international trade.

• 海運 (kaigun) - Maritime transport
• 国際貿易 (kokusai boueki) - international trade
• にとって (ni totte) - for
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
• を果たしています (o hatashite imasu) - performs