The Meaning of utsusu [映す] In Japanese

映す
うつす
Romaji: utsusu N5

What does 映す mean?

Translation and Meaning

to reflect, to project, to display an image, to depict

Definition

It means to reflect or cast an image, light, or impression onto a surface; to display or project something visually, either physically or metaphorically.

Type

verb (godan, す-verb)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • to reflect light or an image onto a surface such as a mirror or water
  • to display or project on a screen or surface, including televisions and projectors
  • to depict or illustrate in media or writing, conveying an image or impression
  • to mirror or convey a metaphorical impression, such as thoughts or emotions

Etymology

映す employs the kun-reading うつす for 映 and uses a native verb-forming suffix す; the kanji 映 itself carries the sense of reflection and projection, with no direct borrowing required.

Composition

  • 映: core idea of reflection, light and image projection
  • す: verb suffix that turns the noun/kanji into a verb form

Usage

Used across formal and informal contexts as a transitive verb. Common collocations include 画像を映す, テレビに映す, 鏡に映す, 壁に映す, 映像を映す, 思いを映す; in literary language it can describe a scene or mood being depicted or reflected in writing.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: visualize the sun (日) shining and its image centered to the right; imagine turning the surface toward you to emit an image, which helps recall utsusu as the verb meaning to reflect or display

Variations

  • 写す (うつす) to copy, photograph; similar but not identical in meaning
  • 映し出す (うつしだす) to display or project clearly
  • 投影する (とうえいする) to project (an image) onto a surface
  • 示す (しめす) to show or indicate

Example Phrases

  • 会議で 大事な 写真を スクリーンに 映す。
    kaigi de daiji na shashin o sukurīn ni utsusu.
    In the meeting, I project important photos onto the screen.
    Lista:
    • 会議で (kaigi de) – at the meeting
    • 大事な (daiji na) – important
    • 写真を (shashin o) – photos (object marker)
    • スクリーンに (sukurīn ni) – onto the screen
    • 映す (utsusu) – to project
    Core grammar: 「映す」 is transitive; used with を to mark the object and に to indicate the surface onto which it is displayed, as in 会議で 大事な 写真を スクリーンに 映す.
  • 会議で彼は貫禄を映す物腰で力強く説明した。
    Kaigi de kare wa kanroku o utsusu monogoshi de chikarazuyoku setsumei shita.
    In the meeting, he explained with a bearing that showed gravitas.
    Lista:
    • 会議で (kaigi de) – at the meeting
    • 彼は (kare wa) – he
    • 貫禄を映す (kanroku o utsusu) – showing gravitas
    • 物腰で (monogoshi de) – with a bearing
    • 力強く (chikarazuyoku) – powerfully
    • 説明した (setsumei shita) – explained
    Core grammar: 「貫禄」 means gravitas; here it appears with を in the phrase 貫禄を映す, meaning ‘to reflect gravitas’ through one’s bearing.
映す