Translation and Meaning of: 溜まり - tamari

The Japanese word 溜まり [たまり] is a term that carries interesting meanings and various applications in everyday life in Japan. If you are looking to understand its usage, translation, or cultural context, this article will explore all that clearly and directly. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate information for those who want to truly learn Japanese, without inventions or myths.

Let's dive into the meaning of 溜まり, its origin, and how it appears in everyday situations. Additionally, we'll look at some tips to remember this word and how it relates to Japanese culture. Whether you are a Japanese student or just someone curious, this content has been created to clear up your questions once and for all.

Meaning and usage of 溜まり [たまり]

The term 溜まり can be translated as "accumulation" or "reserve," depending on the context. It derives from the verb 溜まる [たまる], which means "to accumulate" or "to gather." This word is often used to describe things that come together over time, such as water in a container or even people in a specific location.

A practical example is the expression 水溜まり [みずたまり], which means "puddle". Here, 溜まり indicates the accumulation of liquid in a space. Another common use is in social contexts, such as 人の溜まり [ひとのたまり], referring to a meeting point where people naturally gather. This flexibility makes the word quite useful in everyday vocabulary.

Origin and components of 溜まり

The kanji 溜まり is composed of 溜, which carries the idea of accumulating or storing. This character is formed by the radical 氵(related to water) combined with 留 (which suggests permanence). This combination reinforces the meaning of something that gathers and stays in one place, whether it be liquid, objects, or even feelings.

According to the dictionary 漢字源, one of the most respected in Japan, the kanji 溜 has Chinese origins and was adapted into Japanese with a similar meaning. It is worth noting that, although it is less common than other terms, 溜まり still appears in fixed expressions and in specific contexts, especially in rural areas or more traditional descriptions.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember 溜まり is to associate it with visible situations, like a puddle that forms after the rain. This type of concrete image helps to fix the meaning. Another tip is to note that the related verb 溜める [ためる] is used when someone saves money, that is, accumulates resources over time.

In Japanese culture, the concept behind 溜まり goes beyond the physical. In some regional dialects, the word can have different nuances, such as in expressions that describe the patience that "accumulates" before an emotional explosion. This type of metaphorical usage shows how the Japanese language naturally connects the tangible to the abstract.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 溜まり (tamari) - Accumulation, reserve
• たまり (tamari) - Accumulation, reservoir
• 積もり ( tsumori) - Even more accumulation, especially of snow or rain
• 積み重ね (tsumikakane) - Stacking, layered accumulation
• 蓄積 (chikuseki) - Accumulation, accumulated storage
• 蓄え (takuwae) - Reserve, accumulated provision
• 堆積 (taiseki) - Deposition, sediment accumulation
• 堆積物 (taisekibutsu) - Deposited material, accumulated sediments
• 堆積層 (taisekisou) - Layer of deposits, accumulated stratum
• 集積 (shūseki) - Collection, accumulation of various elements
• 集積物 (shūsekibutsu) - Collected material, accumulated elements
• 集積層 (shūsekisō) - Collection layer, stratum of accumulated elements

溜まり

Romaji: tamari
Kana: たまり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: collected items; meeting collection; overdue

Meaning in English: collected things;gathering place;arrears

Definition: Accumulation of water in one place.