Translation and Meaning of: 浸ける - tsukeru

The Japanese word 浸ける [つける] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances both in meaning and everyday usage. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding verbs like this is essential to expand your vocabulary and cultural understanding. In this article, we will explore the meaning, practical uses, and some curiosities about this word, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

The verb 浸ける is often used in contexts involving immersion or dipping something in a liquid, such as food in sauce or clothes in water. However, its use goes beyond the literal meaning, appearing in expressions and everyday situations. Let's uncover these details so that you can apply it correctly in conversations or studies.

Meaning and usage of 浸ける

The verb 浸ける [つける] has the main meaning of "to immerse," "to soak," or "to leave in water." It is used when something is submerged in a liquid for a set period, whether for seasoning, cleaning, or even tenderizing. For example, when preparing Japanese pickles (tsukemono), the vegetables are 浸ける in a solution of salt or vinegar to absorb flavor.

In addition to culinary use, this verb appears in everyday situations, such as when washing clothes or leaving a cloth soaked in water. It is worth noting that, although it has a meaning close to other verbs like 漬ける (also read as つける), the choice of kanji changes according to the context. While 浸ける emphasizes the action of immersion in liquids, 漬ける is more related to processes of fermentation or preservation.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 浸 is composed of the water radical (氵) and the component 侵, which suggests the idea of penetration or invasion. This combination reinforces the sense of something being enveloped or absorbed by a liquid. The reading つける is one of the kun'yomi forms, that is, the native Japanese pronunciation associated with the character.

It is interesting to note that, although 浸ける is a useful verb, it is not as common as other everyday terms. This is because Japanese people often use more specific expressions depending on the situation. For example, when talking about wetting food, one might use 漬ける, while for clothing, 浸す (ひたす) is also a common alternative.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 浸ける is to associate it with practical situations, such as cooking or washing something. Imagine the process of making tsukemono: the vegetables are submerged in liquid, which helps to solidify the meaning of the verb. Repeating phrases like "野菜を塩水に浸ける" (immersing the vegetables in salt water) can also be helpful.

Another tip is to pay attention to the kanji 浸, since the water radical (氵) appears in several other words related to liquids, such as 海 (sea) and 泳ぐ (to swim). This visual connection makes it easier to recognize the term in different contexts. With constant practice, the use of 浸ける will become more natural in your Japanese vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 浸ける

• 浸ける - Positive Form
• 浸けない - negative form
• 浸けます - polite form
• 浸けません - Polite negative form
• 浸けよう - Volitive form
• 浸けた - past form

Synonyms and similar words

• 浸す (hisasu) - Submerge, soak something in a liquid.
• 沈める (shizumeru) - Sink, to make something go down to the bottom of a liquid.
• 漬ける (tsukeru) - Marinate, to soak something in a flavorful liquid.
• 浸透させる (shintou saseru) - Allow a liquid to seep or spread through something.

浸ける

Romaji: tsukeru
Kana: つける
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4, jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: to dive; soak

Meaning in English: to dip in;to soak

Definition: Dip something in liquid, etc.

Example Sentences - (浸ける) tsukeru

See below some example sentences:

私は鍋に野菜を浸けました。

Watashi wa nabe ni yasai o tsukemashita

I dived the vegetables in the pan.

I soaked vegetables in a pan.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 鍋 (nabe) - noun that means "pot"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the direction or target of the action
• 野菜 (yasai) - noun that means "vegetables"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 浸けました (tsukemashita) - verb that means "immersed" or "dipped" in the past