Translation and Meaning of: 滑る - suberu

If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, you may have come across the word 滑る (すべる). It is common in everyday life and appears in various contexts, from physical situations to metaphorical expressions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses, as well as tips for memorizing it and understanding its role in Japanese culture. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to satisfy your curiosity, here you will find valuable information about this versatile word.

Meaning and use of 滑る

滑る (すべる) means "to slip" or "to glide" and is used for both concrete actions and figurative meanings. For example, it can describe someone slipping on ice or an object sliding over a smooth surface. However, it also appears in less literal contexts, such as when something "fails" or "doesn't go as planned," especially in unexpected situations.

One interesting characteristic is that 滑る can be applied to everyday situations and even in more technical discussions. If someone says that a presentation "slipped" (滑った), it can mean that it didn't go as planned. This flexibility makes the word useful for Japanese learners, as it frequently appears in conversations and texts.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 滑 is composed of the water radical (氵) and the component 骨 (bone), suggesting a relation to fluid movement, almost like sliding over a wet surface. This combination well reflects the meaning of the word, as water is often associated with slips or smooth surfaces. The reading すべる is the most common, but the same kanji can also be read as "katsu" in compounds like 滑らか (なめらか), which means "smooth."

It is worth noting that 滑る is not an old or rare word – on the contrary, it is present in modern Japanese and is widely used. Its kanji appears in other related terms, such as 滑走 (かっそう, "sliding") and 滑車 (かっしゃ, "pulley"), demonstrating its relevance in different areas.

Tips for memorizing and using 滑る

An effective way to remember 滑る is to associate it with real-life situations. Imagine someone slipping on an ice rink or a glass sliding across the table. This image helps link the word to its concrete meaning. For the figurative sense, think of moments when something did not go as expected – like a joke that "slipped" and wasn't funny.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "道が滑る (みちがすべる, 'the road is slippery')" or "言葉が滑った (ことばがすべった, 'the words slipped away')". Repeating these examples aloud or writing them on flashcards can reinforce learning. Additionally, watching videos or animes where the word appears in a natural context is also a great strategy.

"Slipping" in Japanese culture

In Japan, where seasons like winter bring snow and ice, 滑る is a commonly used word for safety alerts. Signs with "滑り注意" (すべりちゅうい, "caution, slippery floor") are common on stairs and sidewalks during the cold. This practical use shows how language adapts to the environment and the needs of everyday life.

Moreover, the word appears in popular expressions and even in media titles, such as songs and anime episodes. Its double meaning – both physical and metaphorical – makes it versatile and interesting for artistic creations. For those studying Japanese, observing these uses can be a fun way to expand knowledge about the language and culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 滑る

• 滑る base form verb, dictionary form
• 滑らない Negative
• 滑った past
• 滑っている Present continuous
• 滑らせる potential

Synonyms and similar words

• 滑り (suberi) - Landslide
• すべる (suberu) - Slip
• すべり (suberi) - The nominal form of "escorregar" can refer to sliding or slipping in general.
• 滑り落ちる (suberiochiru) - Slip and fall
• 滑り降りる (suberioiru) - Sliding down
• 滑り出す (suberidasu) - Start sliding
• 滑走する (kassou suru) - Slide in motion, often used to describe the action in sports like skiing.
• 滑るように動く (suberu you ni ugoku) - Move as if you were gliding
• 滑るように進む (suberu you ni susumu) - Advance as if sliding.
• 滑るようにすすむ (suberu you ni susumu) - Move forward smoothly, as if sliding.
• 滑るように滑る (suberu you ni suberu) - Slide smoothly
• 滑るようにすべる (suberu you ni suberu) - Slide smoothly.

滑る

Romaji: suberu
Kana: すべる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4, jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Slide; to slip

Meaning in English: to glide;to slide;to slip

Definition: slip: slip. Easy to slip.

Example Sentences - (滑る) suberu

See below some example sentences:

私は雪の上で滑りました。

Watashi wa yuki no ue de subarimashita

I slipped in the snow.

I slipped in the snow.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - Topic particle
• 雪 - "snow"
• の - Possessive particle
• 上 - "on top of"
• で - Location particle
• 滑りました - verb "slide" in the past

このアイスクリームは滑らかでとても美味しいです。

Kono aisukurīmu wa subaraka de totemo oishii desu

This ice cream is smooth and very delicious.

This ice cream is smooth and very delicious.

• この - indicates that something is near or present, in this case "this"
• アイスクリーム - "ice cream" in Japanese
• は - particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "ice cream"
• 滑らか - "soft" or "smooth"
• で - particle indicating the means or method, in this case "de"
• とても - "very"
• 美味しい - "delicious" or "tasty"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense