Translation and Meaning of: 進む - susumu

The Japanese word 進む (すすむ, susumu) is an essential verb for those learning the language, as it frequently appears in everyday conversations, formal texts, and even in media such as animes and dramas. Its main meaning is "to advance" or "to progress," but like many words in Japanese, its usage goes beyond the literal translation. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 進む is used, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

Meaning and use of 進む

進む (susumu) is a verb that carries the idea of moving forward, whether physically, like walking towards a place, or abstractly, like progressing in a project. For example, if someone says 「道を進む」 (michi o susumu), it means "to follow the path." In a professional context, 「仕事が進む」 (shigoto ga susumu) indicates that the work is advancing.

Furthermore, 進む can express technological or social development, as in 「技術が進む」 (gijutsu ga susumu), which refers to the advancement of technology. This versatility makes the word widely used in different situations, from informal conversations to academic discussions.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 進 is composed of the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) and 隹 (a radical related to birds). This combination suggests the idea of "moving forward," reinforcing the meaning of the verb. The reading すすむ (susumu) is the most common, but the same kanji can also be read as "shin" in compounds like 進行 (shinkou, "progress").

It's worth noting that 進む is not just an action verb, but also reflects Japanese cultural values such as perseverance and continuous improvement. For this reason, it is often used in motivational contexts, such as in encouragement phrases or speeches about overcoming challenges.

Tips for memorizing and using 進む

An effective way to remember 進む is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, think of a person walking down a street or a project that is progressing. Creating mental images helps to recall not only the meaning but also the context in which the word is used.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as 「前に進んでください」 (mae ni susunde kudasai, "Please, move forward"). Repeating it out loud and writing the kanji a few times also reinforces learning. Over time, using 進む will become more natural, especially if you incorporate it into daily conversations or studies.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 進める (susumeru) - Advance, promote, encourage
• 進化する (shinka suru) - evolve, develop
• 進歩する (shinpo suru) - progress, improve, continuous advancement
• 進行する (shinkō suru) - to progress, to move forward (in a process)
• 進展する (shinten suru) - develop, progress towards a goal

進む

Romaji: susumu
Kana: すすむ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: make progress; advance; to improve

Meaning in English: to make progress;to advance;to improve

Definition: Things advance and progress.

Example Sentences - (進む) susumu

See below some example sentences:

自らの力で進む

Mizukara no chikara de susumu

Advance in your own strength.

Proceed with your own power

• 自ら - reflexive pronoun, "oneself"
• の - possessive particle, "of"
• 力 - noun, "power"
• で - particle that indicates half, "by"
• 進む - verb, "to advance"

斜めに進む

Naname ni susumu

Advance diagonally.

proceed diagonally

• 斜め - means "diagonally".
• に - is a particle that indicates the direction or target.
• 進む - means "to move forward" or "to continue".

徐々に進む

shijou ni susumu

advance gradually.

proceed gradually

• 徐々に - gradually
• 進む - advance

宿命に従って進む。

Shukumei ni shitagatte susumu

Move forward according to destiny.

Proceed according to destination.

• 宿命 - destiny, fate
• に - particle that indicates destination or direction
• 従って - following, according to
• 進む - move forward, proceed

前に進む

mae ni susumu

Move forward.

advance forward

• 前に - means "forward" or "ahead"
• 進む - means "to advance" or "to proceed"

一筋の道を進む

Issun no michi wo susumu

Go forward in a straight path.

follow the road

• 一筋 - a straight line, a single direction
• の - possessive particle, indicating that the previous word is the possessor
• 道 - path, road
• を - direct object particle, indicating that the previous word is the object of the action
• 進む - Move forward, progress

進度を確認してください。

Shindo wo kakunin shite kudasai

Please check the progress.

Please check the progress.

• 進度 (shindo) - progresso
• を (wo) - partícula que indica o objeto da frase
• 確認 (kakunin) - confirmação
• して (shite) - te-form of the verb "suru" (to do) is "shite".
• ください (kudasai) - I'm sorry, but I can only assist with translations. Please provide the text you would like me to translate.

誘導に従って進んでください。

Yūdō ni shitagatte susunde kudasai

Sure, please provide the text that you would like to have translated.

Please provide the text you would like to be translated from Portuguese to English.

• 誘導 - recommendation, guidance
• に - Particle indicating the target of the action
• 従って - according to, following
• 進んで - move forward, proceed
• ください - Please, make.

内側に向かって進んでください。

Uchigawa ni mukatte susunde kudasai

Please proceed towards the interior.

Proceed inside.

• 内側 (naishoku) - means "inner side"
• に (ni) - Particle indicating direction or destination
• 向かって (mukatte) - verb meaning "to go towards"
• 進んで (susunde) - verb meaning "to advance"
• ください (kudasai) - expression meaning "please"

この向きに進んでください。

Kono muki ni susunde kudasai

Please head in this direction.

Go in that direction.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 向き - noun that means "direction"
• に - particle that indicates the direction or target of an action
• 進んで - verb meaning "to advance" conjugated in gerund
• ください - verb that means "please" conjugated in the imperative