Translation and Meaning of: 果たす - hatasu

The Japanese word 果たす (はたす) carries a deep and versatile meaning, often used in contexts involving fulfillment, achievement, or completion of something. Whether in daily conversations or formal texts, understanding its correct usage can greatly enrich the vocabulary of those studying Japanese. In this article, we will explore from the basic meaning to cultural nuances, helping you master this expression with confidence.

In addition to uncovering the translation and the most common uses of 果たす, let's dive into practical examples and tips for memorization. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese perceive this word in everyday life or how it appears in different registers of the language, keep reading. Suki Nihongo, your favorite Japanese dictionary, has prepared a complete guide to answer all your questions.

Meaning and use of 果たす

果たす is a verb that generally means "to fulfill," "to realize," or "to complete" something, especially when it comes to duties, promises, or goals. Unlike similar words, it carries a connotation of finality with a sense of responsibility. For example, it can be used to describe the fulfillment of a social obligation or the successful completion of an important task.

An interesting aspect is that 果たす often appears in contexts where there is a prolonged effort or a challenge involved. It is not simply about finishing something, but about carrying it out with determination. This nuance makes the word frequently used in motivational speeches, corporate texts, and even in historical narratives.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 果 (ka) in 果たす means "fruit" or "result," while す is the auxiliary verb that completes the action. Together, they form the idea of "reaping the fruits" of something, which perfectly explains the meaning of fulfilling or accomplishing. This visual composition helps to understand why the word is so closely linked to concepts of completion and fulfilled duty.

It is worth noting that the radical 果 appears in other words related to results, such as 結果 (kekka - result) and 果物 (kudamono - fruit). This etymological connection can be a great memorization tip, as it shows a clear pattern in the use of this kanji in terms that involve completions or products of some process.

Cultural context and modern usage

In Japanese culture, 果たす reflects important values such as responsibility and perseverance. It is common to hear this word in contexts that involve fulfilling social or professional obligations. For example, a politician may use 果たす when discussing keeping campaign promises, or an athlete when mentioning achieving a sports goal.

In Japanese media, especially in dramas and animes with themes of overcoming challenges, 果たす often appears as part of inspiring dialogues. Its presence in titles of works and advertising slogans is also notable, always conveying the idea of successful conclusion after effort. For Japanese learners, paying attention to these uses can be an excellent way to absorb the term naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 果たす

• 果たす - base form
• 果たします - polite form
• 果たしますか - Polite question form
• 果たせる - potential form
• 果たせない - negative form
• 果たすように - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 果たす (hatasu) - Fulfill, achieve, complete a task or goal.
• 遂行する (suiKō suru) - Carry out, perform a task or activity diligently.
• 達成する (tassei suru) - Achieve, to accomplish a desired goal.
• 成し遂げる (nashi togeru) - Complete, finish a task or achievement successfully.
• 実現する (jitsugen suru) - Make it happen, bring something to fruition or realization.
• 達する (tassuru) - Achieving something, reaching a goal or a specific level.

果たす

Romaji: hatasu
Kana: はたす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: accomplish; to fulfill; to execute; to reach

Meaning in English: to accomplish;to fulfill;to carry out;to achieve

Definition: Perform necessary functions and actions according to objectives and requests.

Example Sentences - (果たす) hatasu

See below some example sentences:

義務を果たすことは大切です。

Gimu wo hatasu koto wa taisetsu desu

Fulfilling obligations is important.

It is important to fulfill your duty.

• 義務 (gimu) - Duty, obligation
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 果たす (hatasu) - fulfill, carry out
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

役目を果たすことが大切です。

Yakume wo hatasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to fulfill your role.

It's important to play a role.

• 役目 - Paper, function
• を - object particle
• 果たす - fulfill, perform
• こと - verb noun
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - polite way of being

役割を果たすことが大切です。

Yakuwari wo hatasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to fulfill the role.

It's important to play a role.

• 役割 - Paper, function
• を - object particle
• 果たす - perform, fulfill
• こと - verb noun
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

社会人としての責任を果たす。

Shakaijin to shite no sekinin wo hatasu

Take responsibility as a member of society.

• 社会人 - shakaijin - person of society
• として - toshite - as, in the capacity of
• の - Não Possessive particle
• 責任 - responsibility - responsibility
• を - wo - direct object particle
• 果たす - hatasu - fulfill, carry out

私たちは使命を果たすために生まれてきた。

Watashitachi wa shimei o hatasu tame ni umarete kita

We were born to fulfill our mission.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 使命 - "Mission" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 果たす - "Comply" in Japanese
• ために - "To" in Japanese
• 生まれてきた - "We were born" in Japanese

責任を果たすことが大切です。

Sekinin wo hatasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to fulfill responsibility.

It is important to fulfill your responsibilities.

• 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 果たす (hatasu) - fulfill, carry out
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

責務を果たすことが大切です。

Sekimu wo hatasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to fulfill your responsibilities.

It is important to fulfill your responsibilities.

• 責務 - responsibility
• を - object particle
• 果たす - fulfill
• こと - abstract noun
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important
• です - verb ser (polite form)

官僚は政府の中で重要な役割を果たしています。

Kanryou wa seifu no naka de juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Bureaucrats play an important role in government.

Bureaucrats play an important role in government.

• 官僚 - bureaucrats
• は - Topic particle
• 政府 - government
• の - Possession particle
• 中で - In the middle of
• 重要な - important
• 役割を - Paper, function
• 果たしています - perform

ビジネスは世界中で重要な役割を果たしています。

Bijinesu wa sekaijuu de juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Business plays an important role all over the world.

Business plays an important role all over the world.

• ビジネス - katakana word meaning "business"
• は - Topic particle
• 世界中 - an expression that means "all over the world"
• で - Particle that indicates the place where something happens
• 重要な - Adjective meaning "important"
• 役割 - noun meaning "role" or "function"
• を - direct object particle
• 果たしています - verb meaning "to perform" or "to fulfill", conjugated in the present affirmative

運輸業は国の経済にとって重要な役割を果たしています。

Un'yu gyō wa kuni no keizai ni totte jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

The transport industry plays an important role in the national economy.

The transport industry plays an important role in the national economy.

• 運輸業 - Transportation industry
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - country
• の - Possession particle
• 経済 - economy
• にとって - for
• 重要な - important
• 役割 - paper
• を果たしています - performs