Translation and Meaning of: 趣 - omomuki

The Japanese word 趣[おもむき] carries a rich and complex meaning, often difficult to translate accurately into other languages. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and use in everyday Japanese, as well as practical tips for those learning the language. If you have ever wondered how to express the idea of "essence" or "unique atmosphere" in Japanese, understanding おもむき can be the key.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find not only the literal translation but also real examples of how this word is used in cultural and artistic contexts. Let's dive into the details that make おもむき such a special term in the Japanese language.

The meaning and origin of 趣[おもむき]

The word 趣[おもむき] can be translated as "essence," "peculiar charm," or even "distinct atmosphere." It captures the idea of a unique quality that permeates a place, object, or situation. Unlike more generic words like "beauty," おもむき suggests an almost poetic depth, something that can only be felt with attention.

The kanji 趣 is composed of 走 (run) and 取 (take), originally suggesting the idea of "moving towards something." Over time, its meaning evolved to represent that which subtly attracts our attention. Sources like Kanjipedia indicate that this character was already used during the Heian period to describe the understated elegance that is so valued in Japanese culture.

How おもむき is used in everyday Japanese.

In daily life, the Japanese use おもむき to describe everything from traditional gardens to works of art. A park with ancient cherry trees can have おもむき, just like a handmade tea cup. The term frequently appears in descriptions of historical places or handcrafted objects, where the passage of time has left its unique mark.

Although it is not a word used constantly in casual conversations, おもむき appears regularly in literary texts, travel guides, and art critiques. Its frequency is lower than basic terms, but precisely because of that, it carries a special weight when employed. Those who master its usage demonstrate a refined knowledge of the language.

Tips for memorizing and using 趣[おもむき]

An effective way to fix おもむき is to associate it with sensory experiences. Think about the last time you visited a place with a striking atmosphere - perhaps an old café or a quiet temple. This memory can serve as an anchor for the meaning of the word. Another tip is to observe the kanji 趣: its radical 走 resembles movement, while 取 suggests apprehension - together, they represent the capture of an essence in motion.

To practice, try using おもむき when describing places or objects that convey a unique personality. Phrases like "この庭には特別なおもむきがある" (This garden has a special charm) demonstrate the term in a real context. Over time, you will develop the sensitivity to use it with the nuance that native speakers expect.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

趣味 (shumi) - Hobby or personal interest
味わい (ajiwai) - Taste or flavor; often used to describe the complexity of flavors
風情 (fuze) - Atmosphere or charm of a place; often related to aesthetics.
味 (aji) - Flavor; it generally refers to the quality of taste, simple or direct.
感じ (kanji) - Feeling or impression; it can refer to emotional perception
感覚 (kankaku) - Sense or physical perception; it refers to the ability to feel physically.
味わい深い (ajiwai bukai) - Deeply flavorful or rich in taste; refers to a complex tasting experience.
趣向 (shukou) - Preference or inclination; can indicate specific personal tastes.
趣味性 (shumisei) - Nature of the hobby; aspects that define a particular hobby
趣向性 (shukousei) - Nature of preferences; distinguishing how preferences manifest
趣向趣味 (shukou shumi) - Hobby oriented by preferences; combination of hobbies with personal inclinations
趣味趣向 (shumi shukou) - Interests and preferences; expresses the overlap of hobbies and personal tastes.
趣味嗜好 (shumi shikou) - Hobbies and interests; emphasizes hobbies related to personal preferences
趣味趣味 (shumi shumi) - Hobby in its essence; a repetition that reinforces the concept of pure hobby
趣味嗜好性 (shumi shikousei) - Nature of preferences and hobbies; examines the structure of personal interests
趣味趣向性 (shumi shukousei) - Nature of hobby preferences; it refers to the analysis of how hobby preferences fit.
趣味趣向趣味 (shumi shukou shumi) - Hobby that combines personal preferences; emphasizes the intersection between hobbies and tastes.
趣味趣味趣向 (shumi shumi shukou) - Hobbinism in your preferences; strengthens the connection between personal hobbies and preferences.

Related words

趣味

shumi

hobby; tastes; preference

趣旨

shushi

object; meaning

ドライバー

doraiba-

driver; screwdriver

愛情

aijyou

love; affection

和風

wafuu

Japanese style

恋愛

renai

love; love of love; passion; emotion; affections

野生

yasei

wild

物好き

monozuki

Curiosity

目的

mokuteki

purpose; goal; goal; goal; intention

野

field

趣

Romaji: omomuki
Kana: おもむき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: meaning; tenor; essence; It is made; appearance; flavor; grace; charm; refinement

Meaning in English: meaning;tenor;gist;effect;appearance;taste;grace;charm;refinement

Definition: likes and preferences. interest or concern.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (趣) omomuki

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (趣) omomuki:

Example Sentences - (趣) omomuki

See below some example sentences:

人形を集めるのが彼女の趣味です。

Ningyou wo atsumeru no ga kanojo no shumi desu

Collecting dolls is her hobby.

人形 - Means "doll" in Japanese.
を - direct object particle in Japanese.
集める - verb meaning "to collect" in Japanese.
のが - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence in Japanese.
彼女 - means "she" in Japanese.
の - possession particle in Japanese.
趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese.
です - verb "to be" in Japanese.

この会議の趣旨は何ですか？

Kono kaigi no shushi wa nan desu ka?

What is the purpose of this meeting?

この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
会議 - Noun meaning "meeting" or "conference"
の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
趣旨 - noun that means "purpose" or "objective"
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
です - Verb "to be" in polite form
か - Particle that indicates a question

園芸は私の趣味です。

Engei wa watashi no shumi desu

Horticulture is my hobby.

園芸 - It means "gardening" in Japanese
は - Japanese topic particle
私の - "Meu" in Japanese
趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese
です - verb "to be" in Japanese

彼女は私の趣味を嫌う。

Kanojo wa watashi no shumi o kirau

She doesn't like my hobbies.

She hates my hobby.

彼女 - It means "girlfriend" in Japanese.
は - topic particle in Japanese.
私の - "meu" in Japanese.
趣味 - "hobby" in Japanese.
を - Object particle in Japanese.
嫌う - "Odiar" in Japanese.

手芸は私の趣味です。

Shugei wa watashi no shumi desu

Handicraft is my hobby.

手芸 - It means "craftsmanship" in Japanese
は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
の - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese
です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

眺めることは私の好きな趣味です。

Nagameru koto wa watashi no sukina shumi desu

Observing is one of my favorite hobbies.

Watching is my favorite hobby.

眺めること - means "to observe" or "to contemplate", it is a verb in the form of a noun.
は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "眺めること" (observe/contemplate).
私の - 私 means "I" and "の" is a grammatical particle that indicates possession, so "私の" means "mine".
好きな - 好き means "to like" and "な" is a grammatical particle that indicates an adjective, so "好きな" means "tasty/pleasant".
趣味 - means "hobby" or "pastime", it is a noun.
です - Verb "to be" in polite form.