Translation and Meaning of: 馴らす - narasu

The Japanese word 馴らす (ならす, narasu) is a verb that carries interesting meanings and practical applications in everyday life. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding its usage, origin, and cultural nuances can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore what this word means, how it is written, and in what contexts it appears.

In addition, we will see how 馴らす relates to concepts such as domestication and adaptation, elements that are part of the Japanese cultural imagination. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to better understand the mindset behind the language, this guide will help you uncover the secrets of this expression.

Meaning and use of 馴らす

馴らす (ならす) is a verb that means "to domesticate," "to tame," or "to accustom." It is often used to describe the process of making a wild animal more docile or familiar with humans. For example, it can be applied to horses being trained or birds learning to interact with people.

However, its use is not limited to animals. In some contexts, 馴らす can also mean "to adapt" or "to familiarize" oneself with something new. An example would be someone getting used to a different environment, like a foreigner learning the local customs in Japan. This semantic flexibility makes the word quite versatile.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 馴 (なら) is composed of the radical 馬 (horse) combined with 川 (river), suggesting a relationship with the domestication of animals, especially horses. This writing reflects well the original meaning of the word, which is related to the act of making something or someone more gentle. The verb itself is formed by the kanji 馴 followed by the suffix す, which indicates action.

It is worth noting that 馴らす is not an extremely common term in modern Japanese, appearing more in specific or literary contexts. Nevertheless, understanding it is important for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of the language, especially in texts that deal with nature, training, or cultural adaptation.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember the meaning of 馴らす is to associate it with the radical 馬 (horse), which is present in the kanji. This helps reinforce the idea of domestication, as horses have historically been important animals in this process in Japan. Another tip is to think about related words, such as 慣らす (ならす), which has a similar meaning but focuses on habituation.

Interestingly, 馴らす also appears in expressions like 手馴らす (てならす), which means "to tame with hands" or "to train directly." This type of construction emphasizes the idea of an active process, where someone or something is being shaped to become more receptive. If you enjoy animes or mangas, you might encounter this word in stories involving animals or characters in the process of adaptation.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 馴らす

• 馴らした - simple past
• 馴らして - imperative form
• 馴らします - polite form
• 馴らせる - potential
• 馴らされる - passive

Synonyms and similar words

• 慣らす (narasu) - To make someone get used to something.
• 馴染ませる (najimawaseru) - To make something or someone adapt well to an environment or situation.
• 馴致する (nanchi suru) - Getting someone accustomed to a specific situation, focusing on familiarization and acceptance.
• 慣れさせる (naresaseru) - Help someone get used to or feel comfortable in a new situation.
• 慣れ親しませる (nareshitashimawaseru) - Make someone feel very familiar or intimate with something or someone.
• 慣れる (nareru) - The state of getting used to or adapting to something.
• 慣熟する (nanjuku suru) - Achieving competence or mastery by becoming familiar with something.

馴らす

Romaji: narasu
Kana: ならす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: domesticate; to tame

Meaning in English: to domesticate;to tame

Definition: Taming wild animals and plants for humans.

Example Sentences - (馴らす) narasu

See below some example sentences:

私は新しい犬を馴らすのが好きです。

Watashi wa atarashii inu o narasu no ga suki desu

I like to train a new dog.

I like to get used to a new dog.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 新しい - adjective meaning "new"
• 犬 - noun meaning "dog"
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "cão"
• 馴らす - verb meaning "to train" or "to educate"
• のが - particle that indicates a nominal phrase, in this case "train a new dog"
• 好き - adjective meaning "to like"
• です - verb that indicates the polite and respectful way to end a sentence