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:

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

脇役は重要な役割を果たします。

Wakiyaku wa juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashimasu

Support role plays an important role.

• 脇役 - supporting character
• は - Topic particle
• 重要な - important
• 役割 - Paper, function
• を - direct object particle
• 果たします - perform, fulfill

護衛は大切な役割を果たします。

Goei wa taisetsu na yakuwari o hatashimasu

Escort plays an important role.

• 護衛 - body guard
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• 役割 - Paper, function
• を - direct object particle
• 果たします - perform, fulfill

輸出は国の経済にとって重要な役割を果たしています。

Yushutsu wa kuni no keizai ni totte juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashiteimasu

Exports play an important role in the national economy.

• 輸出 (yushutsu) - Export
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 国 (kuni) - country
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 経済 (keizai) - economy
• にとって (ni totte) - for
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を果たしています (wo hatashite imasu) - performs

送り仮名は日本語の文章で重要な役割を果たします。

Sorikana wa nihongo no bunsho de juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashimasu

The sending of Kana plays an important role in Japanese sentences.

• 送り仮名 - means "send kana", which are the characters added to Japanese words to indicate their correct pronunciation.
• 日本語 - means "Japanese language".
• 文章 - means "sentence" or "text".
• 重要 - means "important".
• 役割 - means "role" or "function".
• 果たします - is a verb that means "to fulfill" or "to execute".