Translation and Meaning of: 自動詞 - jidoushi

If you are studying Japanese, you have likely come across the word 自動詞[じどうし]. It is an essential term for understanding the grammatical structure of the language, but it often raises questions among students. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical use, as well as some curiosities that can aid in memorization. If you want to master the Japanese language, understanding the 自動詞 is an important step.

What does 自動詞 mean?

Intransitive verb [じどうし] is a term in Japanese grammar that refers to verbs that do not require a direct object to complete their meaning. In other words, these are verbs that do not take an object. For example, the verb 寝る [ねる] (to sleep) is an 自動詞, as the action is only directed at the subject. You do not "sleep something," you simply "sleep."

In contrast, transitive verbs (他動詞[たどうし]) require an object, such as 食べる[たべる] (to eat), which needs something to be eaten. This distinction is crucial for forming correct sentences in Japanese, as it affects the choice of particles like を and が. Knowing how to identify an 自動詞 makes it easier to construct natural sentences.

Origin and structure of the term

The word 自動詞 is composed of three kanji: 自 (oneself), 動 (movement/action), and 詞 (word/verb). Together, they form the concept of "verb that acts on its own." This composition well reflects its grammatical function, as intransitive verbs describe actions that do not extend to an external object.

It's worth noting that the term was coined during Japan's modernization period, when scholars adapted concepts from Western grammar. Before that, the Japanese language did not formally distinguish between transitive and intransitive verbs as it does today. This classification brought greater clarity to language teaching.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

A practical way to identify a 自動詞 is to observe whether the action can be completed without a direct object. Verbs like 開く[あく] (to open oneself) and 閉まる[しまる] (to close oneself) are classic examples. They describe changes of state that occur naturally, without the need for an external agent.

Another useful tip is to pay attention to the particles that accompany the verb. 自動詞 often appear with が or に, while transitive verbs use を. For example: ドアが開く (The door opens) versus ドアを開ける (Someone opens the door). This subtle difference is essential for sounding natural in Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 自発動詞 (jihatsudoushi) - Verbs that express an action that occurs naturally, without the need for an external cause.
• 自己動詞 (jikodoushi) - Verbs that express actions initiated by the subject itself, highlighting the agent's autonomy.
• 自動動詞 (jidoudoushi) - Verbs that indicate actions that occur spontaneously or automatically, often without the conscious intervention of the agent.

自動詞

Romaji: jidoushi
Kana: じどうし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: intransitive verb (no direct obj)

Meaning in English: intransitive verb (no direct obj)

Definition: An intransitive verb is a grammatical term that refers to a verb that undergoes some kind of action or change depending on the subject.