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:

この仕事は果ないと思う。

Kono shigoto wa hatanai to omou

I think this work is fruitless.

I don't think this work is over.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 仕事 - noun meaning "work" or "occupation"
• は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
• 果ない - adjective meaning "unproductive" or "useless"
• と - particle indicating direct or indirect quotation
• 思う - verb meaning "to think" or "to believe"

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

主語は文の中で最も重要な役割を果たします。

Shugo wa bun no naka de mottomo juuyou na yakuwari o hatashimasu

The subject plays the most important role in the sentence.

• 主語 (shujo) - subject
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 文 (bun) - sentence
• の中で (no naka de) - Inside of
• 最も (mottomo) - more, the most
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を果たします (wo hatashimasu) - perform, fulfill

動詞は日本語の文法で重要な役割を果たします。

Doushi wa nihongo no bunpou de juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashimasu

The verb plays an important role in Japanese grammar.

• 動詞 (doushi) - verb
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 日本語 (nihongo) - Japanese language
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 文法 (bunpou) - grammar
• で (de) - Location particle
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 果たします (hatashimasu) - 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

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".

数字は重要な役割を果たします。

Sūji wa jūyōna yakuwari o hatashimasu

Numbers play an important role.

• 数字 (suuji) - means "number" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 重要な (juuyou na) - 重要 (じゅうよう)
• 役割 (yakuwari) - means "role" or "function" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 果たします (hatashimasu) - verb meaning "to perform" or "to fulfill" in Japanese

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