Translation and Meaning of: 着 - chaku

The Japanese word 着[ちゃく] is a versatile term frequently used in everyday life in Japan. Its primary meaning is related to the act of wearing or putting on clothes, but it can also indicate arrival or connection in certain contexts. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and most common uses of this word, along with tips for memorizing it effectively.

If you are learning Japanese, you may have encountered 着 in different situations, whether in store advertisements, indications of train stations, or even in dialogues from animes. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and practical explanations so that you can master the language with confidence. Shall we get started?

Meaning and uses of 着[ちゃく]

The word 着[ちゃく] has two main meanings. The first is related to the act of wearing clothes, as in 着物[きもの] (kimono) or 試着[しちゃく] (trying on clothes). The second meaning refers to arrivals or connections, as in 到着[とうちゃく] (arrival) or 乗り換え駅に着く[のりかええきにつく] (arrive at the transfer station).

In everyday life, it is common to see this word in department stores, where it reads 試着室[しちゃくしつ] (fitting room). It also appears in train announcements, such as 終点に着きました[しゅうてんにつきました] (we have arrived at the final destination). This duality of meanings makes 着 a very useful word for those studying Japanese.

Origin and writing of the kanji 着

The kanji 着 is composed of the radical 目 (eye) at the top and 羊 (sheep) at the bottom. Originally, it represented the idea of "looking at the sheep," but its meaning evolved to "to wear" or "to arrive." This transformation occurred due to metaphorical use in ancient Chinese, which directly influenced Japanese.

In modern writing, 着 is one of the most frequent kanjis at the N4 level of the JLPT. Its kun'yomi readings are き (ki) or つ (tsu), while the on'yomi reading is チャク (chaku). Memorizing these readings may be easier if we associate 着物[きもの] (traditional clothing) and 到着[とうちゃく] (arrival), two common words that use different readings of the same kanji.

Tips for memorizing and using 着 correctly

An effective way to fix the meaning of 着 is to create mental associations. For example, imagine someone wearing a kimono (着物) while getting off a train that has just arrived (到着). This image combines the two main meanings of the word in a single visual context, making it easier to memorize.

Another tip is to practice with everyday phrases, such as この服を着てみたい (I want to try on this outfit) or 何時に駅に着きますか (What time do you arrive at the station?). Using apps like Anki with cards that include images and real-life examples can also speed up learning. Remember: spaced repetition is a great ally in studying Japanese vocabulary.

Curiosities about 着 in Japanese culture

In Japan, the word 着 has a special meaning when related to traditions. The 着物, for example, is not just a garment but a cultural symbol that varies according to the occasion, age, and social status. Knowing how to use the term correctly demonstrates respect for the local culture.

It's interesting to note that, although 着 is common in formal contexts, it also appears in informal situations. Young people use 着る[きる] (to wear) in their daily lives, while the elderly may prefer お召しになる[おめしになる], a more polite form. This variation shows how a simple word can reflect different levels of formality in Japanese society.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 着用 (chakuyou) - Use or wear a piece of clothing.
• 着る (kiru) - Wear, put on a piece of clothing.
• 着こなす (kinanasu) - Dressing well, wearing stylish clothing.
• 着せる (kiseru) - Put clothing on someone or on an object.
• 着替える (kigaeru) - Change clothes, alter the outfit.
• 着手する (chakushu suru) - Start or begin a job or task.
• 着陸する (chakuriku suru) - Land, like a plane touching the ground.
• 着火する (chakka suru) - Light the fire.

着

Romaji: chaku
Kana: ちゃく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: clothes counter; getting at ..

Meaning in English: counter for suits of clothing;arriving at ..

Definition: Dress up. Put it on and leave.

Example Sentences - (着) chaku

See below some example sentences:

着工したばかりです。

Chakkou shita bakari desu

We just started building.

I just started building.

• 着工 - It means "beginning of construction."
• した - It is the past form of the verb "suru", which means "to do".
• ばかり - it is a particle that indicates that something has just happened. In this case, "has just begun."
• です - is a polite way of saying "is" or "is".

先着順で席を確保してください。

Senchaku jun de seki wo kakutoku shite kudasai

Please secure your seat in order of arrival.

Please secure a seat on a first-degree, first-served basis.

• 先着順 (sentei jun) - order of arrival
• で (de) - indication of means or method
• 席 (seki) - Seat
• を (wo) - object particle
• 確保 (kakuho) - Guarantee, ensure
• して (shite) - conjugated form of the verb "suru" (to do)
• ください (kudasai) - Please

下着を買いに行きます。

Shitagi wo kai ni ikimasu

I will buy underwear.

I will buy underwear.

• 下着 (したぎ) - underwear
• を - direct object particle
• 買い (かい) - buy
• に - target particle
• 行きます (いきます) - Go

ダウンジャケットを着て寒さから身を守りましょう。

Daun jaketto wo kite samusa kara mi wo mamorimashou

Let's wear a jacket to protect ourselves from the cold.

Wear a jacket and protect yourself from the cold.

• ダウンジャケット - Down jacket
• を - Direct object particle
• 着て - Verb "to dress" in the gerund
• 寒さ - Cold
• から - origin particle
• 身を守りましょう - Protect yourself

あくどい色の服を着るのは好きじゃない。

Akudoi iro no fuku wo kiru no wa suki janai

I don't like to wear a terrible color.

I don't like to wear a terrible color.

• あくどい色 - Dark or gloomy color
• 服 - clothing
• 着る - wear
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 好き - Like
• じゃない - Informal negative of "desu", which indicates negation.

エレガントなドレスを着てパーティーに行きます。

Elegant na doresu wo kite paatii ni ikimasu

I go to a party wearing an elegant dress.

• エレガントな - elegant
• ドレス - dress
• を - direct object particle
• 着て - dressing (gerund verb)
• パーティー - party
• に - target particle
• 行きます - go

この腕時計を着けるのはとても簡単です。

Kono udedokei wo tsukeru no wa totemo kantan desu

Wearing this watch is very easy.

• この - this
• 腕時計 - Wristwatch
• を - direct object particle
• 着ける - use, place
• のは - particle that indicates topic
• とても - very
• 簡単 - easy
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

この絵は美しい着色がされています。

Kono e wa utsukushii chakushoku ga sarete imasu

This painting has a beautiful color.

This image is beautifully colored.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 絵 - noun that means "painting" or "drawing"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 着色 - noun that means "coloring" or "painting"
• が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• されています - passive verb in the polite form meaning "was done" or "was painted"

この着物の模様は美しいですね。

Kono kimono no moyou wa utsukushii desu ne

The pattern of this kimono is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 着物 - The word that means "kimono," a traditional Japanese garment.
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 模様 - word that means "pattern" or "design"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates courtesy or formality
• ね - particle that indicates confirmation or agreement

この場所は静かで落ち着いた雰囲気がある。

Kono basho wa shizuka de ochitsuita fun'iki ga aru

This place has a quiet and serene atmosphere.

This place has a quiet and calm atmosphere.

• この場所 - this location
• は - Topic particle
• 静かで - calm
• 落ち着いた - calm
• 雰囲気 - atmosphere
• が - subject particle
• ある - exists