Translation and Meaning of: 澄ます - sumasu

The Japanese word 澄ます (すます) carries subtle and deep meanings, often related to clarity, purity, and even a certain posture of distinction. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and uses in everyday Japanese, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly. If you have encountered this term in animes, music, or conversations, understanding its cultural context may be the key to mastering it for good.

In addition to uncovering the translation of 澄ます, let's analyze how it appears in different situations, from formal expressions to nuances of daily life. Suki Nihongo, your favorite Japanese dictionary, has gathered precise information so that you not only decipher the word but also use it with confidence. Shall we get started?

Meaning and uses of 澄ます

澄ます is a verb that can be translated as "to clarify," "to purify," or even "to act with coolness." In its literal sense, it describes the act of making something clear, like water or air. For example, when someone says 水を澄ます (mizu o sumasu), they are referring to making the water clear, free of impurities.

In the figurative sense, 澄ます takes on a more behavioral tone. It can indicate someone who acts with dignity, as in 澄ました態度 (sumashita taido), which describes a distant or even arrogant demeanor. This double meaning makes the word particularly interesting for Japanese language learners, as its usage varies depending on the context.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 澄 is composed of the water radical (氵) and the component 登, which suggests ideas of elevation or ascent. This combination is not a coincidence: it reflects the concept of something that becomes pure as it settles, like particles that sediment in water. Etymological dictionaries such as 漢字源 confirm this relationship between clarity and stability.

It is worth noting that 澄 also appears in other words, such as 澄む (sumu), which means "to be clear" or "to be transparent." This lexical family shares the notion of purity, whether physical or metaphorical. To memorize, think about how water becomes crystal clear when impurities settle at the bottom — an image that helps to fix both the kanji and the verb.

Cultural usage and frequency

In Japan, 澄ます is not a rare word, but it is also not among the most frequently used in everyday life. It appears more regularly in specific contexts, such as descriptions of nature (lakes, skies) or subtle critiques of affected behaviors. In animations like "Hyouka," for example, characters use the term to comment on pretentious attitudes.

Interestingly, Zen philosophy also employs concepts related to 澄ます, especially in the idea of a clear mind free from disturbances. This connection reveals how the Japanese language intertwines natural phenomena and emotional states. For those studying the country's culture, noticing these details can greatly enrich the understanding not only of the vocabulary but also of traditional values.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 澄ます

• 澄ます - base form
• 澄まさ - Passive form
• 澄ませ - causative form
• 澄ませられ - Causative passive form
• 澄ませる - potential form
• 澄まし - Form Te
• 澄ませば conditional form
• 澄ますな - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 澄める (sumeru) - Make something become clear or transparent.
• 清める (kiyomeru) - Purify or cleanse; it can refer to cleaning something in a spiritual sense.
• 澄ませる (samaseru) - Become clear or focused, often used in the context of sound or speech.
• 澄ます (sumasu) - To make something clear or transparent, or to become serious and focused.
• 澄ましい (sumashii) - An adjective that describes something that is clear or pure, usually in relation to water.

澄ます

Romaji: sumasu
Kana: すます
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: clarify; make it clear; not be harmed; seem carefree; seem detached; appear primary; place it in the air

Meaning in English: to clear;to make clear;to be unruffled;to look unconcerned;to look demure;look prim;put on airs

Definition: Think about things calmly and relax.