Translation and Meaning of: 騙す - damasu

The Japanese word 騙す (だます) is a verb that carries a strong and specific meaning, often associated with deceptive actions or manipulation. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about this expression, understanding its correct usage, cultural context, and even its origin can be essential to avoid misunderstandings. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some interesting facts that may aid in memorization.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 騙す, we will discuss its application in different situations, from informal conversations to more serious contexts. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese perceive this term or if it frequently appears in animes and dramas, keep reading to discover valuable information that goes beyond simple translation.

Meaning and usage of 騙す in everyday Japanese

The verb 騙す (だます) means "to deceive," "to mislead," or "to cheat." It is used when someone intentionally leads another person to believe something false, whether through lies, manipulation, or trickery. Unlike lighter words like 嘘をつく (to lie), 騙す carries a more serious connotation, often implying negative consequences for the deceived party.

In their daily lives, Japanese people use this word in situations ranging from small frauds to large cheating schemes. For example, someone might say "彼は私を騙した" (Kare wa watashi o damashita) – "He deceived me" – to express disappointment or anger after discovering a lie. It is important to note that, culturally, honesty is highly valued in Japan, so accusing someone of 騙す is not something done lightly.

Origin and composition of the kanji 騙す

The kanji 騙 is composed of two main elements: the radical 馬 (horse) and 扁 (which in this context can be associated with something dishonest or deceptive). This combination suggests a historical relationship with tricks involving horses, possibly linked to fraudulent sales of animals in the past. However, this is an etymological interpretation that should be viewed with caution, as the exact origin is not always clear.

It is worth noting that 騙す is not one of the most common verbs in the Japanese vocabulary, but its presence in discussions about ethics, business, and even in popular narratives (such as manga and dramas) maintains its relevance. Its use in formal contexts is rare, as it carries a strong negative connotation, being more frequent in informal conversations or accounts of dishonest situations.

How to memorize and avoid confusion with 騙す

A useful tip to remember the meaning of 騙す is to associate the radical 馬 (horse) with ancient trickery stories involving the trade of animals. Although this is not necessarily the proven origin of the word, the mental image can help with memorization. Another strategy is to practice with short sentences, such as "人を騙すのは良くない" (Hito o damasu no wa yokunai) – "It's not good to deceive people."

It is important not to confuse 騙す with similar words, such as 欺く (azamuku), which also means "to deceive," but may have different nuances depending on the context. While 騙す is more straightforward and associated with clearly dishonest actions, 欺く can appear in more literary or metaphorical contexts. For Japanese learners, it is ideal to pay attention to real usage examples in dialogues or authentic materials to grasp these subtle differences.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 騙す

• 騙す - dictionary
• 騙します - Formal
• 騙さない - Negative
• 騙して - imperative
• 騙される - passive

Synonyms and similar words

• だます (damasu) - deceive, cheat.
• ごまかす (gomakasu) - to deceive, to mislead; often implies hiding the truth or situations.
• うそをつく (uso o tsuku) - to tell a lie; specifically refers to the act of lying.
• だまし取る (damashitoru) - to deceive to steal or obtain something; it implies deceiving someone to get something in return.

騙す

Romaji: damasu
Kana: だます
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to deceive; to mislead; to delude

Meaning in English: to trick;to cheat;to deceive

Definition: To deceive or trick others.

Example Sentences - (騙す) damasu

See below some example sentences:

彼は私を騙した。

Kare wa watashi o damashita

He tricked me.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 騙した (damashita) - Deceived