Translation and Meaning of: 計る - hakaru

The Japanese word 計る [はかる] is a verb that carries interesting meanings and practical applications in everyday life. If you are studying Japanese or simply have curiosity about the language, understanding its use can be quite useful. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word appears, as well as tips to memorize it efficiently.

In addition, we will see how 計る differs from other similar terms and how it is perceived in Japanese culture. Whether to measure, calculate, or evaluate, this word plays an important role in both everyday language and more formal situations. Let's dive into the details so you can use it with confidence.

Significado e uso de 計る [はかる]

The verb 計る [はかる] has the main meaning of "to measure" or "to calculate". It is often used in contexts that involve quantification, whether of time, space, or other magnitudes. For example, it can be used to measure the time of an activity or to calculate the amount of ingredients in a recipe.

However, its use is not limited to mathematical situations. In some cases, 計る can also mean "to evaluate" or "to consider," especially when it comes to analyzing a situation or making a decision. This versatility makes the word appear in different scenarios, from informal conversations to more technical texts.

Origin and writing of the kanji 計

The kanji 計 is composed of two radicals: 言 (which relates to speech or language) and 十 (which represents the number ten). This combination suggests an idea of "counting" or "organizing information," which reflects well the meaning of the word. The origin of the character dates back to ancient Chinese, where it was already used with a meaning similar to the current one.

It is worth noting that 計る is just one of the possible readings for this kanji. Depending on the context, it can also be read as "kei," as in words like 計算 [けいさん] (calculation) or 計画 [けいかく] (plan). This variation in reading is common in Japanese and emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which the kanji appears.

Dicas para memorizar e usar 計る

An effective way to memorize 計る is to associate it with concrete situations from daily life. For example, think about measuring the time to cook food or calculating the distance to a place. These mental images help to reinforce the meaning and use of the word naturally.

Another tip is to practice with simple phrases, such as "時間を計る" (to measure time) or "重さを計る" (to measure weight). Repeating these structures out loud or writing them several times can strengthen memorization. Additionally, paying attention to the kanji 計 in other words also helps to expand vocabulary and better understand its usage in different contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 計る

• 計る - base form
• 計ります - Present form
• 計った - Past form

Synonyms and similar words

• 測る (hakaru) - Measure, calculate (usually used to measure dimensions, time, or temperature)
• 量る (hakaru) - Weigh, measure (focused on quantities, such as weight or volume)
• 評価する (hyoukasuru) - Evaluate, judge (qualitative or quantitative analysis)
• 観察する (kansatsusuru) - Observe, examine (behavior or phenomenon analysis)
• 診断する (shindan suru) - Diagnose (evaluation in a medical or technical context)

計る

Romaji: hakaru
Kana: はかる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: measure; to weight; to research; for time (sound meter estimate)

Meaning in English: to measure;to weigh;to survey;to time (sound gauge estimate)

Definition: Knowing the size and quantity of things numerically.

Example Sentences - (計る) hakaru

See below some example sentences:

私は体重を計ります。

Watashi wa taijuu wo hakarimasu

I weight.

I measured weight.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 体重 (taijuu) - noun meaning "body weight"
• を (wo) - particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "body weight"
• 計ります (hakarimasu) - verb meaning "to measure"