Translation and Meaning of: 食卓 - shokutaku

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the country's culture, you may have come across the word 食卓 (しょくたく). It appears in everyday contexts, from conversations to anime, and carries a simple yet essential meaning for understanding Japanese habits. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently.

In addition to being a common term, 食卓 reveals interesting aspects of domestic life in Japan. For students of the Japanese language or enthusiasts of the culture, understanding its use goes beyond literal translation. Let's dive into the details that make this word more than just an object, but part of an important family ritual.

The meaning and origin of 食卓

The word 食卓 is composed of two kanji: 食 (しょく), which means "food" or "meal," and 卓 (たく), which refers to a "table" or "elevated surface." Together, they form the term that describes the table where meals are served – something equivalent to our "dinner table" in Portuguese.

Unlike what some may imagine, 食卓 is not an ancient or restricted-use word. It originated during the Edo period (1603-1868), when the habit of eating at low tables (called ちゃぶ台) became popular. Over time, the term began to be used for Western-style tables as well, showing how the Japanese language absorbs cultural changes without losing its essence.

How and when to use 食卓 in everyday Japanese

Shokutaku is a neutral word, used in both informal conversations and more formal texts. It frequently appears in phrases such as 食卓を囲む (gather around the table) or 食卓に並べる (place something on the table to eat). These expressions show that the term is connected not only to the object itself but to the act of sharing meals.

It is worth noting that, in Japan, the dining table has a greater cultural significance than in many Western countries. Family meals are valued, and the word 食卓 embodies this idea of togetherness. In animes and dramas, for example, scenes around the 食卓 often serve to develop relationships between characters or showcase family dynamics.

Tips for memorizing and curiosities about 食卓

An effective way to memorize 食卓 is to associate its kanjis with concrete images. The first character, 食, appears in words like 食堂 (しょくどう, cafeteria) and 朝食 (ちょうしょく, breakfast). 卓, on the other hand, is less common and can be recalled through its use in 卓球 (たっきゅう, table tennis) – a sport that, after all, also involves a table.

Interestingly, research from the National Institute of the Japanese Language shows that 食卓 is among the 3,000 most used terms in the language, appearing even more than some basic words for beginners. This reinforces its practical utility for those studying Japanese. Another interesting fact: in opinion polls, many Japanese associate 食卓 with childhood memories, which reveals its emotional role in local culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 食卓テーブル (shokutaku tēburu) - Specific dining table for meals.
• 食事テーブル (shokuji tēburu) - Tables used for meals, generally a more generic term.
• 食卓机 (shokutaku tsukue) - Dining table, emphasizing its function as support for meals.
• 飯卓 (hantaku) - Term for dining table.
• テーブル (tēburu) - Generic term for table, including dining tables.

食卓

Romaji: shokutaku
Kana: しょくたく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: dining table

Meaning in English: dining table

Definition: A table to place food while eating.

Example Sentences - (食卓) shokutaku

See below some example sentences:

食卓には美味しい料理がたくさん並んでいる。

Shokutaku ni wa oishii ryouri ga takusan narande iru

On the dining table there are many delicious dishes.

There are many delicious dishes on the table.

• 食卓 - dining table
• に - particle that indicates the location of the verb
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 美味しい - delicious
• 料理 - dish, food
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん - many
• 並んでいる - they are lined up, they are arranged in a row