Translation and Meaning of: 馴れる - nareru

The Japanese word 馴れる (なれる) is a verb that carries interesting nuances about adaptation and familiarity. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about terms that express subtle changes in behavior, understanding 馴れる can enrich your vocabulary and cultural perception. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday use, and how it differs from other similar words.

In addition to being useful for everyday situations, 馴れる also reflects aspects of the Japanese mindset regarding adaptation. We will see how it appears in social contexts, its relation to kanji, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, Suki Nihongo offers detailed explanations about terms like this.

Meaning and use of 馴れる

馴れる (なれる) means "to get used to," "to adapt," or "to become familiar." Unlike 慣れる (なれる), which can also be translated as "to get accustomed," 馴れる has a connotation more related to familiarity with living beings or organic environments. For example, an animal that becomes docile after interacting with humans can be described with this verb.

In everyday life, Japanese people use 馴れる for situations where there is a gradual process of emotional or behavioral adaptation. A foreigner who begins to feel comfortable in Japan after months of interaction might say "日本に馴れてきた" (nihon ni narete kita). The word conveys a sense of naturalness achieved over time.

Kanji and components of 馴れる

The kanji 馴 is composed of the radical 馬 (horse) and 川 (river), suggesting an origin related to the domestication of animals. Historically, this character was used to describe horses or other beings that became tame after training. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass any kind of familiarization.

It is worth noting that 馴れる is less common than 慣れる in modern writing, but still appears in specific contexts. While 慣れる can be used for habits or routines, 馴れる maintains its connection to organic interactions. Japanese students should pay attention to this distinction to avoid confusion.

Tips for memorizing and using 馴れる

An effective way to internalize 馴れる is to associate it with situations involving animals or interpersonal relationships. Imagine scenes like a cat that was initially aloof, but now approaches without fear. This image helps to cement the unique meaning of the verb, distinguishing it from other "nareru" in Japanese.

Another tip is to observe its use in dramas or animes that depict adaptation processes. Series about country life or stories of friendship between humans and animals often employ 馴れる in authentic dialogues. Hearing the word in these contexts reinforces your practical understanding.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 馴れる

• 馴れる - Positive, present, informal form
• 馴れる - Positive, affirmative, present, formal form
• 馴れる - Negative form, present
• 馴れる - Potential form, present

Synonyms and similar words

• 慣れる (Nareru) - Get used to, acclimate to something.
• 馴染む (Najimu) - To become familiar, to integrate harmoniously with the environment or context.
• 馴れ親しむ (Nareshitashimu) - To be intimately accustomed or familiar with a feeling of affection or intimacy.

馴れる

Romaji: nareru
Kana: なれる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4, jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: become domesticated; become meek; get too familiar with

Meaning in English: to become domesticated;to become tame;to get too familiar with

Definition: To get familiar with things.

Example Sentences - (馴れる) nareru

See below some example sentences:

私は犬に馴れるのが得意です。

Watashi wa inu ni nareru no ga tokui desu

I'm good at getting used to dogs.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 犬 (inu) - noun meaning "dog"
• に (ni) - particle indicating the indirect object of the sentence, in this case "for the dog"
• 馴れる (nareru) - verb meaning "to get used to"
• のが (noga) - particle that indicates the function of the nominal subject of the sentence, in this case "being good at getting used to it"
• 得意 (tokui) - adjective meaning "good at"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and respectful form of the sentence