Translation and Meaning of: 生じる - shoujiru

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 生じる (しょうじる). It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to formal texts, and understanding its meaning and use can be a significant step in your learning. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and some tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 生じる, let's analyze its role in Japanese culture and how it differs from similar terms. If you've ever used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you know it's a great tool for deepening your knowledge of Japanese. Here, we will complement that experience with practical and relevant information about this very useful word.

Meaning and use of 生じる

生じる (しょうじる) is a Japanese verb that means "to occur," "to arise," or "to result in." It is often used to describe situations that naturally develop, such as problems that arise, opportunities that come up, or even feelings that emerge. For example, if someone says "問題が生じた" (mondai ga shōjita), it means "a problem has arisen."

This verb is versatile and can be applied in different contexts, ranging from everyday situations to professional ones. An interesting characteristic is that it carries a nuance of something happening without direct intervention, almost like a natural phenomenon. This sets it apart from other verbs like 起こる (okoru), which also means "to occur," but has a more neutral tone.

Origin and structure of kanji

The word 生じる is composed of the kanji 生 (しょう), which means "life" or "birth," and じる, a verbal ending that indicates action. Together, they convey the idea of something that "arises" or "manifests." This construction well reflects the meaning of the word, as it describes events or situations that emerge organically, without prior planning.

It's worth highlighting that 生じる is a verb from the ichidan class, which means its conjugation follows a simpler pattern compared to godan verbs. This makes it easier for Japanese learners, as the variations are more predictable. For example, the negative form is 生じない (しょうじない), and the past form is 生じた (しょうじた).

Tips for memorizing and using 生じる

An effective way to memorize 生じる is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of examples like "doubts that arise during studies" (勉強中に疑問が生じる) or "changes that occur in the workplace" (職場で変化が生じる). Creating your own sentences helps to internalize the verb and apply it correctly.

Another tip is to observe its use in authentic materials, such as news or Japanese dramas. Often, 生じる appears in reports about unexpected events or debates about the consequences of certain actions. By familiarizing yourself with these contexts, it becomes more natural to incorporate the word into your active vocabulary.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

発生する (hassei suru) - To occur, to happen; generally used in contexts that involve events, phenomena, or incidents.
起こる (okoru) - Happen; more generic, used to describe the occurrence of events or situations.
生まれる (umareru) - Nascer; specifically refers to the act of coming to life, usually used in contexts related to birth.