Translation and Meaning of: 湧く - waku

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

Romaji: waku

Kana: わく

Type: verb

L: jlpt-n2

湧く

Translation / Meaning: boil; get hot; get excited; gush

Meaning in English: to boil;to grow hot;to get excited;to gush forth

Definition: Liquid or gas suddenly erupts from the subsurface or surface.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
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- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (湧く) waku

Etymology and Origin

The Japanese word 「湧く」 (waku) has its roots in ancient Japanese, being a term frequently used in both modern and traditional language. The kanji 「湧」 is composed of radicals that represent "water" 「氵」 and "steam" or "to arise" 「涌」, symbolizing the emergence or appearance of water. This pictorial composition illustrates the literal meaning of "to spring" or "to gush," typically associated with the emergence of water from springs or sources.

Definition and Use

In the Japanese context, the verb 「湧く」 (waku) has a range of meanings, all inherent to the idea of something emerging or appearing. Here are some common definitions in which the word is used:

In a more direct sense, it can mean "to gush" or "to spring forth." For example, when we talk about a water spring.
Figuratively, it can express the emergence of emotions or feelings, such as "feeling overwhelmed by emotions."
It can also denote a sudden increase in something, such as a large number of people appearing in one place.

Cultural Use and Variations

In Japanese culture, 「湧く」 (waku) often carries a poetic sense, evoking images of nature and internal emotional changes. For example, in the arts, a poet may describe feelings that "emerge like a mountain spring," thus using the verb figuratively and richly. Furthermore, the Japanese language has other variations and expressions derived from this concept, in order to explore different contexts and nuances of the verb.

Interpretations and Applications

Using 「湧く」 (waku) in daily life, the application of the word encompasses various situations, such as the sudden emergence of problems, new ideas, or even people appearing in a place. This verb is deeply rooted in the expression of spontaneity and unpredictability, whether in natural or personal scenarios. Moreover, its polysemy makes it a relevant component in communication, opening up possibilities to express both concrete and abstract phenomena.

Verbal conjugation of 湧く

See below a small list of verb conjugations: 湧く (waku)

湧く - Infinitive Form
湧きます - Polished form of mass
湧いています - Continuous Polished Shape て imasu
湧いた - Past form simple past
湧かせる - Causative Form

Synonyms and similar words

わく (waku) - boil, stir (in an emotional or physical sense)
沸く (waku) - boil, be excited (generally used in contexts like boiling water or a lively atmosphere)
湧き出る (wakideru) - to sprout, to gush (generally used to describe something that comes out or emerges from a place, like water from a spring)
湧き上がる (wakiagaru) - emerge, surge (used to describe something that rises or grows in intensity, like emotions)
生じる (shoujiru) - generate, occur (broader, can refer to the emergence of events or conditions)
現れる (arawareru) - to appear, to manifest (indicates the action of something becoming visible or obvious)
勃発する (boppatsu suru) - break out, burst (often used to describe the outbreak of conflicts or events)
浮かび上がる (ukabiagaru) - float up, emerge (used to describe something that appears or stands out visibly)