Translation and Meaning of: 泳ぐ - oyogu

The Japanese word 泳ぐ (およぐ, oyogu) is an essential verb for anyone looking to learn the language, especially for those interested in water activities or Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, kanji writing, and how it is used in everyday life. Additionally, we will look at tips for memorizing it and facts that make this word even more interesting for Japanese learners.

If you have ever watched anime or Japanese movies, you have probably heard 泳ぐ in beach, pool, or swimming competition scenes. But does this word have other uses? How does it differ from similar terms? And what is the best way to закрепить it in your vocabulary? Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to answer these and other questions with accurate and useful information for your learning.

Meaning and usage of 泳ぐ in everyday Japanese

泳ぐ means "to swim" in English and is used for both humans and aquatic animals. Unlike English, which has variations like "swim" or "float," Japanese tends to use this verb more broadly. For example, fish swimming in a river or people crossing a pool can be described with the same word.

In Japan, where maritime culture is strong due to the country's geography, 泳ぐ appears frequently in conversations about sports, summer, and water safety. An interesting detail is that in formal or technical contexts, such as in survival manuals, the more polite form 泳ぎます (oyogimasu) is sometimes used to give clear instructions.

The origin and writing of the kanji 泳

The kanji 泳 is composed of the water radical (氵) on the left and the component 永 (ei) on the right, which carries the idea of "eternity" or "fluidity." This combination is not by chance: it reflects the continuous movement of swimming. According to the etymological dictionary 漢字源, this character originated in ancient China and was adapted to Japanese with the same meaning.

It is worth noting that 泳ぐ is a verb from group 1 (godan), which means its conjugation follows a specific pattern. For those starting to study Japanese, a tip is to associate the water radical with its main meaning. This type of visual connection helps to reinforce not only the verb but also other kanjis related to liquids and movement.

Tips for memorizing and using 泳ぐ correctly

An effective strategy to remember 泳ぐ is to create mental associations with real situations. Imagine yourself swimming in a pool while repeating the pronunciation "oyogu". Another technique is to practice with short sentences like 海で泳ぐ (swim in the sea) or プールで泳ぎたい (I want to swim in the pool), which are common in everyday life.

According to research on vocabulary acquisition, words related to physical actions are easier to remember when associated with movements. How about pretending to swim while studying? It may seem silly, but this type of multimodal technique is supported by studies in neuro-language learning.

To avoid confusion, it is important to note that 泳ぐ specifically refers to the act of swimming, unlike verbs such as 浮く (to float) or 潜る (to dive). Paying attention to these details makes all the difference when forming precise sentences in Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 泳ぐ

• 泳ぐ - base form
• 泳ぎます - polite form
• 泳ぎました - past form
• 泳ぎません - negative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 泳ぎます (oyogimasu) - To swim (verb, polite form)
• 水泳する (suiei suru) - Practice swimming (more formal term for the activity)
• 泳ぎ回る (oyogi mawaru) - Swimming around (indicates circular or exploratory movement in the water)
• 水中を移動する (suichuu o idou suru) - Move underwater (emphasizes movement in aquatic environments)
• 水の中を進む (mizu no naka o susumu) - Advance in the water (emphasizes the act of moving forward in the water)

泳ぐ

Romaji: oyogu
Kana: およぐ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: swim

Meaning in English: to swim

Definition: Moving your body through the water.

Example Sentences - (泳ぐ) oyogu

See below some example sentences:

プールで泳ぐのが好きです。

Pūru de oyogu no ga suki desu

I like swimming in the pool.

• プール (puuru) - pool
• で (de) - in
• 泳ぐ (oyogu) - swim
• のが (noga) - particle indicating preference
• 好き (suki) - like
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

浜辺で泳ぐのが好きです。

Hamabe de oyogu no ga suki desu

I like to swim on the beach.

• 浜辺 (hamabe) - beach
• で (de) - in
• 泳ぐ (oyogu) - swim
• のが (noga) - particle indicating personal preference
• 好き (suki) - like
• です (desu) - is

私は浜辺で泳ぐのが好きです。

Watashi wa hamabe de oyogu no ga suki desu

I like to swim on the beach.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 浜辺 (hamabe) - Japanese noun meaning "beach"
• で (de) - Location indicating where the action takes place, in this case "na praia"
• 泳ぐ (oyogu) - Japanese verb that means "to swim"
• のが (noga) - Title indicating a preference, in this case "I like to swim"
• 好き (suki) - Japanese adjective that means "like"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the formality of the sentence, in this case "eu gosto de nadar na praia"

荒い海を泳ぐのは危険です。

Arai umi wo oyogu no wa kiken desu

Swimming in a busy sea is dangerous.

It is dangerous to swim in the busy sea.

• 荒い - áspero, agitado
• 海 - sea
• を - direct object particle
• 泳ぐ - swim
• のは - Topic particle
• 危険 - dangerous
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

泳ぎが大好きです。

Oyogi ga daisuki desu

I love swimming.

I love swimming.

• 泳ぎ - Swimming
• が - Subject particle
• 大好き - Much loved, adored
• です - Sentence-ending particle