Translation and Meaning of: 隅 - sumi

The Japanese word 隅 [すみ] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances in both its meaning and everyday use. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your vocabulary and even your perception of Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 隅 is used, as well as practical tips for memorizing it.

隅 is one of those words that frequently appears in everyday conversations, in texts, and even in cultural expressions. Whether to describe a corner of a room or a less visible detail in an environment, this term plays an important role in communication. Let's dive into the details to discover how to use it correctly and what it reveals about the Japanese language.

Meaning and usage of 隅

In its most direct translation, 隅 means "corner" or "nook." It can refer to both a physical space, like the corner of a wall, and something less tangible, like a detail that goes unnoticed. For example, in a room, corners are called 隅, but the word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is on the margins, outside the main focus.

An interesting aspect is that 隅 is not limited to objects or places. In some expressions, it appears to convey the idea of something hidden or not very visible. This flexibility makes it a useful word in different contexts, from everyday descriptions to more poetic or philosophical language.

Origin and Writing of the Kanji 隅

The kanji 隅 is composed of the radical 阝, which is associated with hills or elevations, combined with the component 禺, which historically refers to something hidden or difficult to see. This combination reinforces the idea of a place that is remote, hidden, or not very visible, like a distant corner or a less busy street corner.

It is worth noting that, although kanji may seem complex, its reading is relatively simple. The most common pronunciation is すみ (sumi), but in some compounds or specific contexts, it may appear as ぐう (gū) or other less frequent readings. For those who are learning, focusing on the reading すみ is already sufficient for most everyday uses.

Tips for memorizing and using 隅

An effective way to memorize the word 隅 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of a corner of a room or a street corner – these are practical examples that help reinforce the meaning. Another tip is to observe the kanji and notice how the radical 阝 refers to something that is "off-center," emphasizing the idea of a less visible location.

Moreover, it's worth paying attention to how the word appears in common expressions. For example, 隅々まで (sumizumi made) means "to the farthest corners" and is often used to emphasize that something has been examined or cleaned thoroughly. These small details help not only to memorize but also to use the word more naturally.

Curiosities about 隅 in Japanese culture

In Japan, attention to detail is highly valued, and the word 隅 reflects this. In traditions such as the tea ceremony or floral arrangement (ikebana), every element is carefully placed, including the "corners" that often go unnoticed. This sensitivity to space and what is on the periphery is an important part of Japanese aesthetics.

Another interesting point is that, in some expressions, 隅 can have a more philosophical tone, representing ideas such as humility or discretion. In contrast to cultures that value what is at the center or in the spotlight, Japanese often finds beauty and meaning precisely in what is marginal, in what doesn't immediately attract attention.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 角 (Kaku) - Angle
• 端 (Hashi) - Edge, extremity
• 端っこ (Hashikko) - Tip, little tip (informal)
• 端部 (Hanbu) - Terminal part, end
• 端点 (Hantei) - Period, end
• 端点部 (Hanteibu) - Part of the terminal point
• 端部分 (Hanbun) - End part
• 端部分岐 (Hanbunki) - Deviation at the edge部分
• 端っこ部分 (Hashikko-bun) - Edge part (informal)
• 端っこ部分岐 (Hashikko-bunki) - Deviation at the edge (informal)
• 端っこ点 (Hashikko-ten) - Point at the end (informal)
• 端っこ点部 (Hashikko-tenbu) - Part of the point at the end (informal)
• 端っこ点部分岐 (Hashikko-tenbunki) - Deviation at the point on the edge (informal)
• 端っこ点部分 (Hashikko-tenbun) - Part of the point at the end (informal)
• 端っこ点部分分岐 (Hashikko-tenbunbunki) - Deviation at the point on the edge (informal)
• 端っこ点部分分かれ (Hashikko-tenbunwakare) - Division at the tip (informal)
• 端っこ点部分分岐点 (Hashikko-tenbunbunkiten) - Point of deviation at the point on the edge (informal)
• 端っこ点部分分かれ点 (Hashikko-tenbunwakareten) - Point of division at the point on the edge (informal)
• 端っこ点部分分岐点部 (Hashikko-tenbunbunkitenbu) - Part of the deviation point at the end point (informal)
• 端っこ点部分分かれ点部 (Hashikko-tenbunwakaretenbu) - Part of the dividing point at the end point (informal)
• 端っこ点部分分岐点部分 (Hashikko-tenbunbunkitenbubun) - Part of the deviation point at the end point (informal)
• 端っこ点部分分かれ点 (Hashikko-tenbunwakareten) - Point of division at the point on the edge (informal)

隅

Romaji: sumi
Kana: すみ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: corner; nook

Meaning in English: corner;nook

Definition: A corner of a room or building, or a place where objects are kept so that they do not touch other objects.

Example Sentences - (隅) sumi

See below some example sentences:

部屋の隅にはたくさんの埃があります。

Heya no sumi ni wa takusan no hokori ga arimasu

There is a lot of dust in the corner of the room.

• 部屋 - fourth
• の - of
• 隅 - Corner
• に - in
• は - (topic particle)
• たくさん - many
• の - of
• 埃 - dust
• が - (subject particle)
• あります - exists