Translation and Meaning of: 苦しめる - kurushimeru

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 苦しめる (くるしめる). This verb carries an intense meaning and appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to literary works. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical use, as well as understand how the Japanese perceive this expression in daily life. If you want to learn how to use 苦しめる correctly or discover curiosities about it, keep reading!

Meaning and translation of 苦しめる

苦しめる (くるしめる) is a Japanese verb that means "to afflict," "to torment," or "to cause suffering." It is often used to describe situations where someone is going through physical or emotional difficulties, whether caused by another person or external circumstances. For example, it can be used to talk about illnesses, psychological pressures, or even challenges that test someone's resilience.

In Portuguese, the closest translation would be "to make someone suffer," but it's important to note that 苦しめる has a more active nuance. While "to suffer" can be a passive state, 苦しめる implies that there is an agent causing this suffering, even if indirectly. This distinction is essential for using the word accurately.

Origin and composition of kanji

The word 苦しめる is formed by the kanji 苦 (ku), which means "suffering" or "bitterness," combined with the verbal suffix しめる (shimeru). The kanji 苦, in turn, is composed of the radical 艹 (kusa), which represents plants or herbs, and 古 (ko), which means "ancient" or "old." This combination suggests an idea of something that persists and causes discomfort, like a bitter taste that does not easily go away.

It is important to highlight that 苦しめる is a causative form of the verb 苦しむ (kurushimu), which means "to suffer." While 苦しむ describes the act of feeling pain or anguish, 苦しめる indicates the action of provoking that feeling in someone. This relationship between the two verbs helps to better understand how the Japanese language expresses causes and effects.

Cultural use and frequency in Japanese

In Japan, 苦しめる is a word that carries significant emotional weight. It often appears in discussions about mental health, interpersonal conflicts, and even in historical narratives that address periods of hardship. Because it is a strong term, its use in everyday conversation tends to be more cautious, especially in informal discussions.

On the other hand, in literary or dramatic contexts, such as in animes and dramas, 苦しめる is often used to emphasize moments of tension or pain. Characters facing moral dilemmas or extreme situations frequently employ this word to express their despair. This reinforces how Japanese values emotional precision in communication.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 苦しめる is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of sentences like "the illness tormented him for years" (病気が彼を長年苦しめた) or "the remorse tormented her" (後悔が彼女を苦しめた). These examples help visualize the verb in action and understand its practical application.

Another tip is to observe the kanji 苦 in other words, such as 苦痛 (kutsuu, "pain") or 苦手 (nigate, "weakness" or "difficulty"). This connection between vocabularies makes memorization easier and expands your knowledge of terms related to suffering and challenges.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 苦しめる

苦しめます - Affirmative form, present tense, polite/polite
苦しめない - Negative form, present, informal
苦しめた Affirmative form, past, polite/formal.
苦しめなかった Negative form, past, polite/formal
苦しめてください - Polite imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

苦しめる (kurushimeru) - Cause pain, make someone suffer.
苦しませる (kurushimaseru) - To make someone suffer, to cause distress or pain to another person.
苦痛を与える (kutsuu wo ataeru) - To cause pain or suffering; often used in a more formal context.