Translation and Meaning of: 言付ける - kotodukeru

Have you ever come across the Japanese word 言付ける [ことづける] and felt curious about its meaning or use? This expression, common in everyday Japan, carries interesting nuances that go beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what it really means, how it originated, and in what contexts the Japanese use it. If you are learning Japanese or just have an interest in the country's culture, understanding terms like this can enrich your experience.

The verb 言付ける has a specific role in Japanese communication, often related to messages or indirect notes. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to unveil not only the definition but also the cultural details that make this word unique. Let's dive into its origin, practical examples, and even tips for memorizing it effectively.

Meaning and usage of 言付ける

The term 言付ける [ことづける] is a verb that means "to ask someone to convey a message" or "to send a message through a third party." It is often used in situations where one person cannot communicate directly and asks another to relay information. For example, if a coworker cannot attend a meeting, they may 言付ける a message for you to take to the boss.

In Japan, where indirect communication is valued in many social contexts, this verb appears quite frequently. It reflects an important cultural characteristic: the care in maintaining harmony even when conveying potentially delicate messages. Unlike simply "speaking", 言付ける implies an additional layer of mediation, often to soften the impact of a message.

Origin and structure of the term

The word 言付ける is composed of two kanjis: 言 (to say, word) and 付ける (to attach, to assign). Together, they form the idea of "attaching a message" or "assigning words to someone." This logical construction helps to understand why the verb acquired its current meaning. Although it is not an ancient term, its formation follows common patterns in the Japanese language.

It is worth noting that 言付ける is mainly written in hiragana [ことづける] in everyday life, keeping the kanji for more formal or written contexts. This flexibility is typical of many Japanese verbs, which alternate between kanji and hiragana depending on the situation. The pronunciation "kotozukeru" also follows the regular phonetic rules of Japanese, without significant dialectal variations.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 言付ける is to associate it with practical situations. Imagine scenarios where you would need to ask a friend to tell something to someone else – that’s the perfect context for the verb. Creating flashcards with sentences like "母にことづけてください" (please give a message to my mother) can help internalize its usage.

Another tip is to observe how 言付ける appears in Japanese dramas or animes, especially in everyday scenes. Many productions depict characters using this verb in phone conversations or while leaving messages. This natural exposure to the term makes it easier to understand the nuances that dictionaries don't always capture fully.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 言付ける

• 言付ける gift
• 言付けた past
• 言付けよう future
• 言付けている Present continuous
• 言付けない Negative

Synonyms and similar words

• 指示する (shiji suru) - Indicate, instruct
• 命じる (meijiru) - order, command
• 告げる (tsugeru) - Inform, announce
• 伝える (tsutaeru) - Communicate, convey
• 言い渡す (iiwatasu) - Officially communicate, declare
• 言い付ける (ii tsukeru) - Giving orders, entrusting something to someone
• 言い伝える (ii tsutaeru) - Transmit a message or tradition

言付ける

Romaji: kotodukeru
Kana: ことづける
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: send words; to send a message

Meaning in English: to send word;to send a message

Definition: To convey necessary information to other people.

Example Sentences - (言付ける) kotodukeru

See below some example sentences:

彼に大切な言葉を言付けた。

Kare ni taisetsu na kotoba o itetsuketa

I gave him important words to remember.

I told him an important word.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• に (ni) - Particle indicating the recipient of the action
• 大切な (taisetsu na) - important, valuable
• 言葉 (kotoba) - Word, language
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 言付けた (kotozuketa) - Transmitted, left a message