Translation and Meaning of: 掛かる - kakaru

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 掛かる (kakaru) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: kakaru

Kana: かかる

Type: verb

L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n5

掛かる

Translation / Meaning: take (eg time, money, etc); to hang

Meaning in English: to take (e.g. time money etc);to hang

Definition: put something to support it.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (掛かる) kakaru

The word 「掛かる」 (kakaru) is a Japanese verb that can be translated as "to take," "to spend," or "to depend," depending on the context in which it is used. The expression encapsulates a variety of meanings, many of which are related to the idea of something that begins or is in process. In everyday life, it is quite common and used in various situations, from the time needed to complete a task to referring to resources like money and energy.

Etymologically, 「掛かる」 is formed by the kanji 「掛」, which is used to express concepts related to "hanging," "suspending," or "depending," and by the verbal suffix 「る」 (ru), which indicates a verb of the ichidan type. The radical 「扌」, present in the kanji, is often associated with actions performed by hand, suggesting a connotation of something that needs to be handled or operated. This etymological connection reflects how the word encompasses various actions that occur or directly affect daily tasks.

Historically, 「掛かる」 emerges in the Japanese language not only as a functional verb but also as an important tool within the language to describe the relationship between actions and results. For example, one of the earliest forms of usage of the word dates back to agricultural practices, where the idea of time, energy, or resources invested was central to the success of the harvests. In this way, the word has evolved to include multiple contexts, from everyday situations to more complex discussions about expenses and investments.

In addition to its basic uses mentioned, 「掛かる」 has various compound and phrasal forms that highlight its flexibility and breadth in the Japanese language. For example, it can combine with other words to form expressions like 「時間が掛かる」 (jikan ga kakaru), to describe actions that "take time." This multifaceted nature exemplifies the breadth of 「掛かる」 as an essential verb in the Japanese vocabulary.

Verbal conjugation of 掛かる

See below a small list of verb conjugations: 掛かる (kakaru)

掛かる - Intransitive verb
掛かります - Polite form
掛かった - Affirmative past
掛からない - Negative
掛かれ - Imperative

Synonyms and similar words

費やす (hiyasu) - Waste or use resources, such as time or money.
費用がかかる (hiyō ga kakaru) - Causes expenses; implies that there are costs involved.
時間がかかる (jikan ga kakaru) - It takes time; it indicates that something is not immediate.
必要とする (hitsuyō to suru) - Requir; indicates that something is necessary.
要する (yōsuru) - To need; generally used in contexts of requirements.
負担する (futan suru) - Assume a responsibility or cost.
負う (ou) - Assume a load or responsibility.
負担を強いる (futan o shiiru) - To impose a load or responsibility on someone.
手間がかかる (tema ga kakaru) - To take effort or work; indicates a task that is time-consuming.
手間を要する (tema o yōsuru) - Requires effort; similar to 手間がかかる, but focusing on the need for effort.
かかる (kakaru) - Take time or cost in general.
負担をかける (futan o kakeru) - To impose a burden or responsibility on someone.
負担を負う (futan o ou) - Assume a responsibility or cost.
負担をかかえる (futan o kakaeru) - To bear a responsibility or burden that is carried.
負担を背負う (futan o seou) - To bear the burden or responsibility.
負担を引き受ける (futan o hikiukeru) - Accept or take on a responsibility.
負担を負担する (futan o futan suru) - Repetition of the act of carrying a load, emphasizing the responsibility.
負担をかかる (futan o kakaru) - Involve costs or responsibilities.
負担を負わせる (futan o owaseru) - Transfer a responsibility or burden to another person.
負担を負わす (futan o owasu) - Import a load; similar to 負担を負わせる, but with a more direct nuance.
負担を負わせる (futan o owaseru) - Repetition with the same meaning of transferring responsibility.
負担を負わす (futan o owasu) - Repetition with the same meaning of imposing a burden.