Translation and Meaning of: 焦がす - kogasu

The Japanese word 焦がす[こがす] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances both in meaning and in everyday use. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding verbs like this can enrich your vocabulary and avoid confusion. In this article, we will explore what 焦がす means, its origins, how it is used in sentences, and even some tips for memorizing it effectively.

Besides the literal meaning, we will see how this verb appears in everyday contexts and why it can be useful for those who want to express themselves more naturally in Japanese. If you have ever burned something in the kitchen or felt that frustration of making an important mistake, 焦がす might be the right word to describe the situation.

Meaning and usage of 焦がす

The verb 焦がす[こがす] has as its main translation "to burn" or "to char," but not in the sense of a fire. It is specifically used for situations where something is burned beyond the desired point, such as food on the stove or an object that is exposed to heat for too long. For example, if the rice sticks to the pot and darkens, a Japanese person would likely use 焦がす to describe what happened.

Another interesting use of 焦がす is in the figurative sense, especially in expressions like 思いを焦がす (to burn with desire or passion). In this context, the word conveys the idea of an intense feeling that "burns" inside. This dual meaning — physical and emotional — makes 焦がす more versatile than it initially appears.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 焦, present in 焦がす, is composed of the fire radical (火) at the bottom, which indicates its relation to heat and burning. The top part of the character (隹) represents a bird, although the direct connection to the current meaning is not obvious. According to the Kangorin dictionary, this combination suggests the idea of something being "consumed" or "affected by fire," either literally or metaphorically.

It is important to note that 焦がす is the transitive form of the verb, meaning it requires a direct object (someone who causes the action). Its intransitive version is 焦げる[こげる], which describes the state of something that has been burned. This difference is important for using the term correctly in sentences. While "the bread burned" would be パンが焦げた, "I burned the bread" uses 焦がす: パンを焦がした.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

A practical way to remember 焦がす is to associate it with real situations. If you've ever had the experience of getting distracted in the kitchen and burning a meal, that memory can serve as a trigger for the word. Another strategy is to create flashcards with images of burnt food next to the kanji 焦, leveraging visual memory to reinforce the term.

When using 焦がす in sentences, pay attention to the particle を, since it is a transitive verb. Expressions like 魚を焦がした (I burned the fish) or アイロンでシャツを焦がした (I burned the shirt with the iron) show the basic structure. Avoid confusing it with 燃やす [もやす], which means "to burn" in the sense of combustion or destruction by fire — 焦がす always implies a mistake or excess.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 焦がす

焦がす - base form
焦がします - Polished form
焦がさない - negative form
焦がせる - Potential
焦がれる - passive
焦がせて - imperative

Synonyms and similar words

焦げる (Kogeru) - Burn or char (something that is already burned)
焦げ付く (Koge tsuku) - Burn until it sticks (usually used for food)
焦げくさい (Koge kusai) - Burnt smell (regarding the odor)
焦がれる (Kogareru) - To long for or desire intensely (something or someone)
焦がし (Kogashi) - The burning (act or effect of burning)
焦がす (Kogas) - Burn or carbonize (act of burning)
焦がすようにする (Kogasuyou ni suru) - Cause burning (act to make something burn)
焦がす方法 (Kogasuhouhou) - Burning method (specific way of burning something)
焦がす理由 (Kogasuriyuu) - Reason for burning (justification for burning something)
焦がす効果 (Kogasukouka) - Effect of burning (specific result of burning something)
焦がす効能 (Kogasukounou) - Burning properties (benefits or desired effects of burning)
焦がす利点 (Kogasuriten) - Advantages of burning (positive aspects of burning something)
焦がす欠点 (Kogasuketten) - Disadvantages of burning (negative aspects of burning something)
焦がす注意点 (Kogasuchuuiten) - Points of attention when burning (cautions to be taken when burning)
焦がす注意事項 (Kogasuchuujikou) - Cautionary instructions when burning (guidelines to avoid issues when burning)
焦がす使い方 (Kogasutsukaikata) - How to use when burning (how to use burning techniques)
焦がす使い方のコツ (Kogasutsukaikata no kotsu) - Tips for burning (suggestions for effective burning)