Translation and Meaning of: 片付ける - katadukeru

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the verb 片付ける[かたづける]. This word frequently appears in daily Japanese life and carries a practical, but also cultural, meaning. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, translation, and how it is used in everyday situations. Additionally, we will provide tips for memorizing it and interesting facts that make it a fascinating expression for students. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those who truly want to master Japanese.

Meaning and translation of 片付ける

片付ける is a Japanese verb that means "to tidy up," "to organize," or "to clean." It is used when someone puts things in order, whether at home, at work, or in any other environment. The most common translation into Portuguese is "arrumar," but depending on the context, it can also mean "to put away" or "to resolve" something pending.

An interesting characteristic of this word is that it is not limited to just physical objects. In some cases, it can be used metaphorically, such as when talking about "solving a problem" or "completing a task." This flexibility makes 片付ける a versatile and very useful word in Japanese vocabulary.

Origin and composition of kanji

The word 片付ける is written with two kanji: 片 (かた) and 付ける (つける). The first kanji, 片, can mean "side," "piece," or "partial," while 付ける has the meaning of "to put" or "to attach." Together, they convey the idea of "putting things in their proper place," which reflects the meaning of the word well.

It is worth noting that 片付ける is a verb from group 2 (ichidan), which means that its conjugation follows a more regular pattern. This makes it easier for beginners who are starting to study verbs in Japanese. Being able to recognize these kanjis also helps to memorize other related words, such as 片付け (かたづけ), which means "tidy up."

How to use 片付ける in everyday life

In Japan, organization is an important cultural value, and 片付ける is a word that reflects this. It often appears in everyday conversations, such as when parents ask children to tidy up their toys (おもちゃを片付けて) or when someone mentions that they need to organize their workspace.

Another common use is in expressions like 部屋を片付ける (へやをかたづける), which means "to tidy the room." This verb can also be used more broadly, as in 問題を片付ける (もんだいをかたづける), which means "to solve a problem." Recognizing these different contexts helps to better understand how the word functions in practice.

Tips for memorizing 片付ける

An effective way to fix this word is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, imagine a scene where you are tidying up your desk and mentally repeat "片付ける". Creating this type of visual connection helps to record the meaning more easily.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "本を片付ける" (ほんをかたづける - to tidy up the books). Repeating it out loud and writing it down several times also helps reinforce memorization. If you use apps like Anki, including this word in your study cards can be a great strategy.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 片付ける

• 片付けます - Affirmative form, formal
• 片付けましょう - Imperative, formal form
• 片付けない - Negative, informal form
• 片付けよう - Volitional, informal form
• 片付けています - Affirmative form, present continuous

Synonyms and similar words

• 整理する (Seiri suru) - Organize, arrange; refers to the act of sorting and organizing unnecessary items.
• 片付ける (Katazukeru) - Clean and tidy; it involves putting things in order and free from clutter.
• 整頓する (Seiton suru) - Carefully arrange; refers to the methodical and systematic organization of items.
• 整理整頓する (Seiri seiton suru) - Organizing and tidying; it combines the concepts of seiri (organization) and seiton (tidiness) for a more efficient environment.
• まとめる (Matomeru) - Consolidate, gather; it involves bringing together information or items that are scattered in an organized manner.
• 収拾する (Shuushuu suru) - Counter, to collect; refers to the act of gathering or exerting control over a disorderly situation.
• 片付けをする (Katazuke o suru) - Tidying up; it’s a more casual term often used to describe the act of cleaning or organizing.
• 整理整頓をする (Seiri seiton o suru) - Perform the organization and tidying up; it emphasizes the action of keeping a space clean and organized.
• まとめをする (Matome o suru) - To create a summary; it refers to the action of compiling information or items in a cohesive manner.
• 収拾をする (Shuushuu o suru) - Perform collection or control; emphasizes the action of gathering or organizing something disordered.

片付ける

Romaji: katadukeru
Kana: かたづける
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: arrange; put in order; organize; store

Meaning in English: to tidy up;to put in order;to straighten up;to put away

Definition: clean.

Example Sentences - (片付ける) katadukeru

See below some example sentences:

片付けることは大切です。

Katazukeru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to fix things.

It is important to clean.

• 片付けること - action of organizing and tidying up
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "片付けること"
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - verb to be in the present, indicating that the sentence is an assertion

彼女は仕舞う前に部屋を片付けた。

Kanojo wa shimau mae ni heya wo katazuketa

She tidied up the room before finishing.

She cleaned the room before the end.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 仕舞う - tidy, store
• 前に - before
• 部屋 - Room, living room
• を - direct object particle
• 片付けた - tidied up, organized