Translation and Meaning of: 煙る - kemuru

The Japanese word 煙る[けむる] carries rich and subtle meanings that go beyond its literal translation. If you are learning Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding how this verb is used in everyday life and culture can open doors to a deeper comprehension. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and contexts of use, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

What does 煙る[けむる] mean?

煙る[けむる] is a Japanese verb that describes the action of emitting smoke or being enveloped in mist. In English, it can be translated as "to smoke," "to fog," or "to mist." However, its use extends beyond the physical sense, potentially conveying a mysterious or melancholic atmosphere.

In literary contexts, 煙る is often used to create poetic images, such as hazy landscapes or faded memories. This versatility ensures that the word appears in both classic and contemporary works, reinforcing its relevance in the Japanese language.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 煙 is composed of the radical 火 (fire) and the component 因 (cause, reason). This combination suggests the idea of something that arises from fire, in this case, smoke. The reading けむる (kemeru) is one of the verb forms associated with this character, which can also be read as "en" in compounds like 煙草 (tobacco).

It is worth noting that 煙る is not an extremely common verb in everyday language, but its presence in fixed expressions and literature ensures its importance for advanced students. However, its kanji appears in more frequent words, such as 煙突 (chimney) and 禁煙 (no smoking).

How to use 煙る in real contexts

A daily example of the use of 煙る can be seen in descriptions of environments: ストーブが煙っている (The stove is smoking). In a more abstract context, the expression 記憶が煙る (memories fade away like smoke) shows how the word takes on a metaphorical tone.

It's interesting to note that, although 煙る can be replaced by more direct terms like 煙が出る (to emit smoke), its choice often reflects a stylistic intention. In haikus and poetry, for example, the word helps build ethereal or nostalgic scenes with few characters.

Tips for memorizing 煙る

An effective way to memorize 煙る is to associate its kanji with visual situations. Imagine the radical 火 (fire) generating smoke (煙) – this mental image helps connect form and meaning. Another strategy is to practice with sentences that contrast literal and figurative uses.

For those who use flashcards, including examples like 山が煙っている (The mountain is hazy) and 彼の言葉は煙っている (His words are nebulous) can help capture the nuances of the word. Apps like Suki Nihongo offer additional resources to explore these contexts in an interactive way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 煙る

煙る - base form
煙って - Form Te
煙ります - Masu Form
煙ろう - Volitive form
煙れば conditional form
煙らせる - causative form

Synonyms and similar words

煙りが立つ ( Kemuri ga tatsu ) - The smoke is rising.
煙が立つ ( Kemuri ga tatsu ) - The smoke is rising.
煙が上がる ( Kemuri ga agaru ) - The smoke is rising.
煙が立ち込める ( Kemuri ga tachikomeru ) - The smoke accumulates or disperses.
煙がもくもくと立ち上がる ( Kemuri ga mokumoku to tachiagaru ) - The smoke rises thickly.
煙が立ち上がる ( Kemuri ga tachiagaru ) - The smoke is rising.