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:

スラックスはビジネスシーンでよく着用される。

Surakkusu wa bijinesu shiin de yoku chakuyou sareru

Pants are often used in the business setting.

• スラックス - dress pants
• は - Topic particle
• ビジネスシーン - business scene
• で - Location particle
• よく - often
• 着用される - to be used, to be dressed

レインコートを着て外出しましょう。

Reinkōto o kite gaishutsu shimashou

Let's go out with a raincoat.

• レインコート - Japanese word meaning "raincoat"
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese.
• 着て - Japanese verb meaning "to wear"
• 外出 - Japanese noun meaning "exit, walk"
• しましょう - verb in Japanese that indicates a suggestion or invitation to do something together, in this case "let's go out together wearing a raincoat"

ワイシャツを着て出かけます。

Wai shatsu wo kite dekakemasu

I'm going out wearing a shirt.

I'm going out with a shirt.

• ワイシャツ (waishatsu) - dress shirt
• を (wo) - object particle
• 着て (kite) - wear, use
• 出かけます (dekakemasu) - go out

公衆の場でマスクを着用することが大切です。

Koushuu no ba de masuku wo chakuyou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to wear a mask in public places.

It is important to wear a mask in public.

• 公衆の場 - public place
• で - particle that indicates the location where the action takes place
• マスク - Mask
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 着用する - use, wear
• こと - noun that indicates action or fact
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - important
• です - verb to be in the polite form

回り道をしても目的地に着く。

Mawari michi wo shitemo mokutekichi ni tsuku

Even with a detour

Even if you take a detour, you will reach your destination.

• 回り道をしても - even if it takes a detour
• 目的地に - for the destination
• 着く - arrive

寝間着を着て寝るのが好きです。

Nemaki o kite neru no ga suki desu

I like to sleep wearing my pajamas.

I like to sleep on a night -oup.

• 寝間着 - sleepwear
• を - object particle
• 着て - Verb "to dress" in the gerund
• 寝る - verb to sleep
• のが - nominalization particle
• 好き - adjective like
• です - verb to be in the present

彼女はいつも着飾るのが好きです。

Kanojo wa itsumo kikazaru no ga suki desu

She always likes to dress up.

She always likes to dress up.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• いつも - Always in Japanese
• 着飾る - "to dress oneself" in Japanese
• の - nominal particle in Japanese
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• 好き - "like" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese

急行列車が駅に到着しました。

Kyūkō ressha ga eki ni tōchaku shimashita

The express train arrived at the station.

• 急行列車 - Express train
• が - subject particle
• 駅 - Season
• に - place particle
• 到着 - Arrival
• しました - verb "arrive" in the polite past

浴衣を着て祭りに行きたいです。

Yukata o kite matsuri ni ikitai desu

I want to wear a Yukata and go to a festival.

I want to go to the festival using a Yukata.

• 浴衣 - Traditional Japanese clothing worn at festivals and special occasions
• を - object particle
• 着て - "vestindo"
• 祭り - festival
• に - target particle
• 行きたい - verb "to want to go" in present
• です - Sentence-ending particle

煌びやかな衣装を着て舞台に立つ。

Kagayaki yaka na ishou o kite butai ni tatsu

Stand on stage wearing bright costumes.

• 煌びやかな - bright, resplendent
• 衣装 - clothes, costume
• を着て - wearing (particle indicating action)
• 舞台 - stage, scene
• に立つ - stand, go on stage (particle that indicates action)