Translation and Meaning of: 連ねる - tsuraneru

The Japanese word 連ねる (つらねる, tsuraneru) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. Whether you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and practical use can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will dive into the details of this expression, from its writing in kanji to everyday situations where it appears.

In addition to uncovering the literal meaning of 連ねる, we will also see how it fits into cultural and linguistic contexts. Whether to enhance your vocabulary or simply satisfy your curiosity, this guide from Suki Nihongo — one of the best online Japanese dictionaries — will help you understand this word clearly and practically.

Meaning and use of 連ねる

The verb 連ねる (tsuraneru) has the main meaning of "to align" or "to put in sequence." It is often used to describe objects or people arranged in a line, such as cars parked on a street or guests seated at a banquet. However, its use goes beyond the physical sense, and it can also indicate a sequence of events or ideas.

An interesting aspect of 連ねる is its application in more abstract contexts. For example, in Japanese literature, it is common to find the expression 名を連ねる (なをつらねる, na o tsuraneru), which means "to have one's name included" in a list or select group. This flexibility makes the word useful in both informal conversations and more formal situations.

Origin and writing of kanji

The composition of the kanji 連 offers valuable clues about its meaning. The character combines the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) with 車 (vehicle), suggesting the idea of vehicles moving in a line. This visual image helps to understand why 連ねる is associated with the concept of sequence or alignment.

It is worth noting that 連ねる is not a very common verb in everyday life, but it appears frequently in written texts and specific situations. Its kun'yomi reading (つらねる) is the most used, although the same kanji can have other pronunciations in compound words, such as 連絡 (れんらく, renraku), which means "contact" or "communication."

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix 連ねる in your memory is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine a row of parked bicycles or books arranged on a shelf — these images can serve as mental anchors. Another strategy is to practice with simple sentences like "I arranged the books in sequence" (本を連ねて並べた, ほんをつらねてならべた).

It's important to note that 連ねる should not be confused with similar verbs like 並べる (ならべる, naraberu), which also means "to align" but emphasizes side-by-side arrangement. While 連ねる carries the idea of connection or continuity, 並べる focuses more on spatial organization. This subtle distinction can make a difference in the precise use of the language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 並べる (naraberu) - Organize, arrange in line
• つらねる (tsuraneru) - Connect, align
• つらぬく (tsuranuku) - Pass through, cross
• つらねあわせる (tsuraneawaseru) - Align together, put in order
• つらねつなぐ (tsuranetsunagu) - Connect a series of elements, chain them
• つらねつなげる (tsuranetsunageru) - Facilitate the connection between linked elements

連ねる

Romaji: tsuraneru
Kana: つらねる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: bind up; to join; to ride

Meaning in English: to link;to join;to put together

Definition: Keep organizing.

Example Sentences - (連ねる) tsuraneru

See below some example sentences:

私たちは長い列を連ねて待っていました。

Watashitachi wa nagai retsu o tsunagete matte imashita

We were waiting in a long line.

We were waiting for a long queue.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 長い列 - "A long line" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 連ねて - "In line" in Japanese
• 待っていました - "We were waiting" in Japanese.