Translation and Meaning of: 足りる - tariru

The Japanese word 足りる (たりる, tariru) is an essential verb for anyone studying the language, as it frequently appears in everyday conversations and formal contexts. Its central meaning revolves around the idea of "being sufficient" or "to suffice," but its nuances go beyond that. In this article, we will explore the real usage of 足りる, its origins, how it is culturally perceived, and tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to being a practical term, 足りる carries important values within Japanese society, such as the notions of moderation and contentment. If you’ve used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you know how crucial it is to understand words like this in depth. Let’s uncover everything from its writing in kanji to examples that demonstrate its application in real situations.

Meaning and use of 足りる

The verb 足りる expresses the idea of something being sufficient or adequate for a certain purpose. It can be used for both material quantities and abstract situations. For example, saying "お金が足りない" (okane ga tarinai) means "the money is not enough," indicating a concrete lack.

However, 足りる also appears in more philosophical contexts. The expression "足るを知る" (taru o shiru), which means "to know how to be content," comes from the classic Chinese Tao Te Ching and reflects a concept valued in Japanese culture. This duality between the practical and the philosophical makes 足りる a word rich in meanings.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 足, which makes up 足りる, has the primary meaning of "foot" or "leg." This visual association is interesting, as it relates to the idea of something that "reaches" or "arrives" at a necessary point. In the composition of the character, one can identify the radical for "foot" (⻊) combined with other strokes that reinforce this sense of completeness.

It is worth noting that 足りる is one of the few verbs in Japanese that ends with -りる, which can assist in memorization. According to the Kangorin dictionary, this verbal form originated in ancient Japanese and has remained largely unchanged in its basic structure to this day.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 足りる is to associate it with everyday situations where the notion of "sufficiency" is clear. Think of phrases like "時間が足りる?" (jikan ga tariru?), which means "will the time be sufficient?". This kind of practical application helps to reinforce not only the meaning but also the grammatical structure.

Another valuable tip is to pay attention when 足りる appears in dramas or animes, usually in scenes involving counting, planning, or discussions about resources. Its negative form, 足りない (tarinai), is especially common in these contexts. Observing these natural uses will make the word an active part of your Japanese vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 足りる

足りる - Form dictionary
足ります - polite form
足りない - negative form
足らない - Alternative negative form
足った - simple past

Synonyms and similar words

充分である (jūbun de aru) - to be enough; to be sufficient
十分である (jūbun de aru) - be sufficient; be complete (similar to 充分である)
満たされる (mitasareru) - to be satisfied; to be fulfilled (refers to the state of being complete)
満足する (manzoku suru) - to be satisfied; to feel satisfied (refers to personal satisfaction)
足る (taru) - to be enough; to suffice (used in a more general sense)