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:

私たちはついに到着しました。

Watashitachi wa tsui ni touchaku shimashita

We finally arrived.

Finally we arrived.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• ついに - "finalmente" in Japanese
• 到着 - "arrival" in Japanese
• しました - past form of the verb "to do" in Japanese

肌着は夏にも冬にも必要なアイテムです。

Hadagi wa natsu ni mo fuyu ni mo hitsuyou na aitemu desu

Underwear is a necessary item in summer and winter.

• 肌着 - underwear
• 夏 - summer
• 冬 - Winter
• 必要 - necessary
• アイテム - item
• です - is

落ち着きが必要です。

Ochitsuki ga hitsuyou desu

I need calmness/peacefulness.

You need to calm down.

• 落ち着き - calm, tranquility
• が - connecting particle between subject and predicate
• 必要 - necessary, essential
• です - verb ser/estar in the present, polite form

裾が長い着物を着ています。

Susono ga nagai kimono wo kiteimasu

I'm wearing a kimono with a long hem.

I wear a long kimono with a hem.

• 裾 - It means "sheath" or "edge" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 長い - adjective meaning "long" in Japanese.
• 着物 - The word that means "kimono" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 着ています - verb that means "to wear" in Japanese, conjugated in the present continuous.

見っともない服を着ている。

Mittomonai fuku wo kiteiru

I'm wearing very ugly clothes.

I'm wearing clothes I can't see.

• 見っともない - means "unpleasant" or "ugly".
• 服 - means "clothing".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 着ている - continuous form of the verb 着る (kiru), which means "to wear".