Translation and Meaning of: 発つ - tatsu

The Japanese word 発つ (たつ, tatsu) carries a deep and everyday meaning at the same time. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding how this verb is used can open doors to more natural communication. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, as well as tips for effectively memorizing it.

Found in everyday conversations and even in song lyrics, 発つ is a versatile term that goes beyond simple translation. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear explanations based on reliable sources, so get ready to discover everything about this fascinating word.

Meaning and use of 発つ

The verb 発つ means "to depart," "to leave," or "to begin a journey." Unlike other similar terms, it carries a nuance of deliberate movement, often associated with journeys or farewells. For example, it can be used when someone leaves their hometown or embarks on a new adventure.

In everyday life, 発つ (たつ, tatsu) appears in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in situations that involve travel or significant changes. An interesting curiosity is that this verb is rarely used for daily departures, such as going to the market – in these cases, the Japanese prefer other terms like 出かける (でかける, dekakeru).

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 発 (hatsu) in 発つ has Chinese origins and carries the meaning of "departure" or "issuance." It is composed of the radical for "foot" (⻊) combined with other elements that suggest forward movement. This visual composition reinforces the idea of leaving one place to go to another, which helps to understand why this character was chosen to represent the verb.

It is worth noting that 発つ is often written in hiragana (たつ) in modern Japanese, especially in informal contexts. However, knowing the kanji is essential for reading more formal or literary texts. A tip for memorization: think of the kanji as someone taking the first step (the radical for foot) on a journey.

Tips for using 発つ correctly

To avoid confusion, remember that 発つ is intransitive – that is, it does not require a direct object. It simply describes the act of departing, unlike verbs like 出す (だす, dasu), which imply putting something out. One practical way to fix this concept is to associate 発つ with boarding scenes at train stations or airports.

Another important point is conjugation. As a verb of group 1 (godan), 発つ follows the regular pattern: たたない (negative present), たった (past), and たって (te-form). Practicing these variations with simple sentences, like "明日、東京を発つ" (tomorrow I depart from Tokyo), can solidify the learning. Over time, the usage will become as natural as the departure that the word describes.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 発つ

• 発つ - Forma positiva, passado: 発った
• 発つ - Forma negativa, presente: 発たない
• 発つ - Forma negativa, passado: 発たなかった
• 発つ - Forma imperativa: 発て

Synonyms and similar words

• 出発する (shuppatsu suru) - Depart, start a journey
• 始める (hajimeru) - Start, initiate an activity
• 立ち去る (tachisaru) - Leave a place, depart
• 出かける (dekakeru) - Leave, go outside
• 出る (deru) - Exit, emerge, participate (in an event)
• 踏み出す (fumidasu) - Take a step forward, start an action
• 離れる (hanareru) - Separate, distance yourself.
• 動き出す (ugokidasu) - Start to move
• 開始する (kaishi suru) - Start, begin a process
• 発動する (hatsudou suru) - Activate, put into action (usually in a more mechanized or formal context)

発つ

Romaji: tatsu
Kana: たつ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: to leave (on an aircraft train etc.)

Meaning in English: to depart (on a plane train etc.)

Definition: Go to a new place.

Example Sentences - (発つ) tatsu

See below some example sentences:

私たちは明日早朝に発つ予定です。

Watashitachi wa ashita chouchou ni tatsu yotei desu

We have plans to leave tomorrow morning.

Let's go early in the morning tomorrow.

• 私たちは - we
• 明日 - tomorrow
• 早朝に - Early morning
• 発つ - to leave
• 予定です - Planned