Translation and Meaning of: 茂る - shigeru

The Japanese word 茂る[しげる] is a verb that carries a wealth of meanings and uses in daily life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding terms like this can open doors to a deeper comprehension of the culture and communication in the language. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical use of 茂る, as well as tips for memorizing it and curiosities that make learning more interesting.

茂る is a word that evokes images of nature and growth, often associated with plants and vegetation. Its use goes beyond the literal, appearing in metaphorical contexts or even in popular expressions. Let's unravel each aspect of this word, from its writing in kanji to its application in everyday sentences, so that you can use it with confidence.

Meaning and Translation of 茂る

Shigeru [しげる] is a Japanese verb that means "to grow densely," "to bloom," or "to prosper," especially when referring to plants, trees, or vegetation. It conveys the idea of something that develops abundantly and vigorously, covering an area thickly. In English, we can translate it as "to sprout," "to grow abundantly," or "to be lush."

In addition to the literal meaning, 茂る can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where something multiplies or expands rapidly. For example, one might say that a business is "thriving" or that a city is "developing" using this word. This flexibility of use makes it valuable in both everyday conversations and more elaborate texts.

Origin and Writing in Kanji

The kanji 茂 is composed of the radical for grass (艹) at the top, which indicates its relation to plants, and the component 戊, which historically represented something related to strength or protection. Together, these elements reinforce the idea of vigorous and abundant growth, like vegetation that spreads with vitality. This combination of radicals helps to understand why the word is so connected to the natural world.

It is worth noting that 茂る is a group 1 (godan) verb, which means that its conjugation follows a specific pattern. For example, in the past form, it becomes 茂った[しげった], and in the negative, 茂らない[しげらない]. Knowing these variations is essential for using the word correctly in different grammatical contexts.

Cultural Use and Frequency

In Japan, 茂る is a word that appears frequently in descriptions of landscapes, literature, and even in place names. Its association with nature reflects the importance that Japanese people give to the natural environment, often depicted in artistic and poetic works. Places with dense forests or well-preserved parks can be described using this term, highlighting their beauty and vitality.

Although it is not an extremely common word in daily life, it is recognized by most native speakers and can be found in both formal and informal texts. Its use in media such as animes or dramas is generally related to scenes involving natural environments or metaphors about growth and development. For Japanese learners, learning 茂る is a way to enrich vocabulary and get closer to a more authentic view of the language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 茂る

• 茂り - Masu Form
• 茂れ - imperative form
• 茂られる - potential form
• 茂っている - Progressive form
• 茂った - past form

Synonyms and similar words

• 繁る (しげる) - Grow densely.
• いぶる (いぶる) - Smoke, add flavor.
• こさえる (こさえる) - Produce, create.
• こうこうとする (こうこうとする) - Shine brightly.
• みずみずしい (みずみずしい) - Fresh, vibrant.
• うっそうとする (うっそうとする) - Dense, full of vegetation.
• ふかふかする (ふかふかする) - Soft and light.
• ふさふさする (ふさふさする) - Full of fur or leaves.
• ふくらむ (ふくらむ) - Inflate, expand.
• ふくれる (ふくれる) - Swollen, to become bulky.
• ふつくしい (ふつくしい) - Extremely beautiful.
• ふとる (ふとる) - Gain weight.
• ほころぶ (ほころぶ) - Tear, to open up.
• ほころびる (ほころびる) - Start to tear, open up.
• ましている (ましている) - Radiating, irradiating something.
• もうける (もうける) - To profit, to gain benefit.
• もりあがる (もりあがる) - Get up, become excited.
• もりこむ (もりこむ) - Fill, accumulate.
• よく茂る (よくしげる) - Grow well and dense.
• あふれる (あふれる) - Overflow, go beyond the limits.
• あふれ出る (あふれでる) - Overflowing out.
• あふれ出す (あふれだす) - Start to overflow.
• あふれるばかり (あふれるばかり) - Until overflowing, very full.
• あふれ上がる (あふれあがる) - Rise by overflowing.

茂る

Romaji: shigeru
Kana: しげる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: become thick; luxuriate; be luxurious

Meaning in English: to grow thick;to luxuriate;to be luxurious

Definition: The plants grow well.

Example Sentences - (茂る) shigeru

See below some example sentences:

森林が茂る。

Mori no hayashi ga shigeru

The forest is dense.

The forest grows.

• 森林 - forest
• が - subject particle
• 茂る - grow luxuriantly