Translation and Meaning of: 諦める - akirameru

If you have ever tried to learn Japanese, you have probably stumbled upon the word 諦める (あきらめる) – and maybe even gave up on memorizing it. But don't worry, this word has much more behind it than just "to give up." Here, we will explore its etymology, the meaning behind the kanji, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and even tips to never forget it again. And if you use Anki or another memorization method, you will leave here with practical examples to enhance your studies.

The verb 諦める appears in situations that range from giving up on a dream to abandoning a project that isn't progressing. But does it always carry a negative tone? And why do the Japanese use this expression so much? Let's unravel all of this, including the origin of the kanji 諦, which has an unexpected connection to Buddhism. Get ready to discover why this word is so present in Japanese culture – and how it can help you understand the country's mentality better.

The Kanji 諦 and Its Surprising Buddhist Origin

The character 諦 (ate) alone is already a lesson in philosophy. Originally, in Buddhism, it meant "to understand the ultimate truth" or "to accept reality as it is". This comes from the Sanskrit term "niṣṭhā", used in sacred texts to discuss enlightenment. Who would have thought that a kanji associated with giving up was once used to describe the pinnacle of spiritual wisdom?

Over time, the meaning has transformed. The idea of "accepting reality" has taken on a more resigned tone in modern Japanese. But even today, you can sense this philosophical residue when Japanese people use 諦める to talk about consciously abandoning something with the understanding that there was no other option. It’s not simply throwing in the towel – it’s acknowledging the limits of the situation.

How the Japanese Use 諦める in Daily Life

In practice, あきらめる appears in very varied contexts. It can be from a child giving up convincing their parents to buy a toy ("おもちゃを買ってと諦めた") to an adult abandoning the dream of being an artist ("画家になる夢を諦めた"). What's interesting is that it often comes with a certain relief – like someone lifting a weight off their shoulders by accepting the inevitable.

An interesting fact is that the Japanese rarely use this word abruptly. It's common to hear phrases like "諦めかけたけど..." ("I almost gave up, but..."), showing that even when they consider giving up, they often persist. This nuance is important to understand the complex relationship that Japanese culture has with perseverance and realism.

Tips To Never Forget This Word

Want an infallible tip to memorize 諦める? Associate the kanji 諦 with "giving up on speaking". Notice that it contains the radical 言 (speech) combined with 帝 (emperor). Imagine an emperor tired of arguing – he simply "gives up arguing". This silly image sticks in your mind and helps you remember both the meaning and the writing.

Another technique is to create flashcards with real examples. Write down sentences like "I gave up after failing 10 times" ("10回失敗してやっと諦めた") or "He gives up easily" ("彼は諦めが早い"). Concrete contexts stick better in memory than loose translations. And if you want a challenge, try using 諦める in conversations with natives – many will be impressed with your grasp of this cultural nuance.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 諦める (akirameru) - to give up
• 断念する (dan'nen suru) - Withdraw; resign after consideration
• 投げ出す (nagedasu) - Give up, abandon something without finishing
• 諦めがつく (akirame ga tsuku) - Reaching a state of acceptance
• 諦めを入れる (akirame o ireru) - Start to accept something, adjust the mindset to give up.
• 諦めを示す (akirame o shimesu) - Show acceptance or withdrawal
• 諦めを覚悟する (akirame o kakugo suru) - Be prepared to give up
• 諦めを決める (akirame o kimeru) - Decide to give up
• 諦めを悟る (akirame o satoru) - Understanding the need to give up
• 諦めを受け入れる (akirame o ukeireru) - Accept the withdrawal
• 諦めを迫られる (akirame o semareru) - Being forced to give up
• 諦めを強いられる (akirame o shiirareru) - Being compelled to give up
• 諦めを求められる (akirame o motomerareru) - Being asked to give up

諦める

Romaji: akirameru
Kana: あきらめる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: to give up; to abandon

Meaning in English: to give up;to abandon

Definition: Give up without trying.

Example Sentences - (諦める) akirameru

See below some example sentences:

決して諦めない。

Kesshite akiramenai

Never give up.

I will never give up.

• 決して - Never
• 諦めない - to give up