Translation and Meaning of: 覚ます - samasu

The Japanese word 覚ます [さます] carries interesting meanings and practical uses in everyday Japan. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and applications can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore everything from its precise translation to cultural contexts where this word appears, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly.

覚ます is a verb that can be used in both literal and metaphorical situations, making it versatile in conversations. Whether to describe the act of waking someone up or bringing clarity to a confusing situation, this word plays an important role in communication. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and useful information for Japanese learners, so let's get right to the point.

Meaning and translation of 覚ます

覚ます is a Japanese verb that can be translated as "to awaken" or "to wake up." However, its meaning goes beyond the literal sense of waking someone from sleep. It can also be used to express the idea of bringing to awareness, whether in a physical or mental context. For example, it can mean "to make someone realize something" or "to clarify something."

An interesting characteristic of this word is its application in different scenarios. While 起こす [おこす] is more commonly used to physically wake someone up, 覚ます can have a more metaphorical tone. This shows how Japanese often has specific words for nuances of meaning that other languages might generalize.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 覚, which is part of the word, has Chinese origins and carries meanings related to perception, memory, and consciousness. It is formed by the radicals 見 (to see) and 学 (to learn), suggesting a connection between observing, understanding, and retaining knowledge. This etymology helps explain why 覚ます is associated with ideas of awakening attention or consciousness.

It is worth noting that 覚ます is the transitive form of the verb, while 覚める [さめる] is its intransitive version. This distinction is important in Japanese grammar and directly affects how the word is used in sentences. The suffix ます [ます] indicates that it is a polite verb form, common in everyday conversations.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japanese daily life, 覚ます appears with moderate frequency, being more common in specific contexts than in casual conversations. You might hear it in discussions about concentration, such as when someone needs to "awaken" their attention to an important topic. It is also used in situations where it's necessary to bring clarity to a confusing thought or situation.

Culturally, the word reflects a valued aspect of Japanese society: situational awareness and attention to detail. In work or study environments, for example, expressions with 覚ます can be used to emphasize the need for focus and sharp perception. This type of usage shows how the Japanese language is connected to deep social values.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 覚ます

• 覚ます Base form
• 覚まさない negative present
• 覚ました Simple past
• 覚ませる Causative

Synonyms and similar words

• 起こす (okosu) - Awakening, waking someone up.
• 目覚めさせる (mezamesaseru) - To awaken someone, to bring someone back to consciousness.
• 目覚める (mezameru) - Wake up, awaken (the subject wakes up on their own).
• 目を覚ます (me wo samasu) - Wake up, become aware (implying that someone was sleeping and is now awake).
• 目が覚める (me ga sameru) - Waking up, the act of the eyes opening and the person becoming aware.

覚ます

Romaji: samasu
Kana: さます
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: to awaken

Meaning in English: to awaken

Definition: Wake up a person who is asleep.

Example Sentences - (覚ます) samasu

See below some example sentences:

私は毎朝アラームで覚ます。

Watashi wa maiasa arāmu de samasu

I wake up every morning to the alarm.

I wake up every morning to an alarm.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 毎朝 (maiasa) - adverb meaning "every morning"
• アラーム (araamu) - noun that means "alarm"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the means or instrument used, in this case, "with an alarm"
• 覚ます (samasu) - verb meaning "to wake up"