Translation and Meaning of: 綴じる - tojiru

The Japanese word 綴じる (とじる, tojiru) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. In this article, we will understand its main meaning, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some particularities that make it special. Whether you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, this content will help clarify questions and deepen your knowledge.

Meaning and usage of 綴じる

Tojiru (とじる) means "to close," "to sew," or "to bind," depending on the context. It is a verb frequently encountered in everyday situations, such as closing a book, a folder, or even sewing fabrics. For example, when finishing reading a notebook, a Japanese person might say "ノートを綴じる" (noto o tojiru), indicating that they are going to close or put it away.

It is worth noting that とじる is not limited to physical objects. In some cases, it can be used metaphorically, as in "話を綴じる" (hanashi o tojiru), which means "to end a conversation." This versatility makes the word useful in different situations, from the domestic environment to the professional one.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 綴 (とじ) is composed of the radical 糸 (ito, "thread") and the component 叕 (tetsu), which reinforces the idea of something being united or tied. This combination reflects well the original meaning of the word, which is connected to the action of sewing or fastening something with threads. Writing the kanji can be challenging for learners, but understanding its structure aids in memorization.

Interestingly, 綴じる can also be written only in hiragana (とじる), especially in informal contexts. However, the use of kanji is more common in written and formal texts, such as documents or books. This flexibility in writing facilitates its learning, as hiragana can be an alternative for those who have not yet mastered kanji.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember the meaning of とじる is to associate it with concrete actions, such as closing a book or sewing a tear in clothing. Creating simple sentences in daily life, like "本を綴じる" (hon o tojiru, "close the book"), helps to reinforce the vocabulary naturally. Another tip is to observe the kanji 綴 and remember that it involves the idea of uniting things, whether with lines or binding.

It is important to note that とじる should not be confused with similar verbs, such as 閉じる (tojiru), which also means "to close," but is more commonly used for doors, windows, or eyes. While 閉じる has a more general sense, 綴じる is more related to objects that can be sewn or bound. This distinction is essential to avoid common mistakes among students.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 縫う (nuu) - to sew
• 縫い合わせる (nuiawaseru) - Costurar juntos
• 縫いつける (nuitsukeru) - Sew (something to something)
• 縫い合わす (nuiawasu) - Sewing one next to the other
• 縫い合せる (nuiawaseru) - Sewing together
• 縫い留める (nuitomeru) - Sewing to keep in place
• 縫い付ける (nuitsukeru) - Costurar firmemente
• 縫い直す (nuinaosu) - Re-dobrar/ajustar costura
• 縫い合わさる (nuiawasaru) - Being sewn together
• 縫い合わった (nuiawatta) - Sewn together (past tense)
• 縫い綴じる (nuitsuzujiru) - Sewing and binding

綴じる

Romaji: tojiru
Kana: とじる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to bind; to file

Meaning in English: to bind;to file

Definition: Protect books, documents, etc. with wire or thread.