Translation and Meaning of: 畳む - tatamu

Explanation and Etymology - (畳む) tatamu

The word 「畳む」 (tatamu) is a Japanese verb that has the primary meaning of "to fold" or "to close." Used in daily life, this word is often associated with activities such as folding clothes, closing umbrellas, or, in general, compacting objects in an organized manner. It is an essential term in the Japanese domestic vocabulary, reflecting the culture of order and space optimization, values highly appreciated in Japanese society.

The etymology of 「畳む」 is interesting and refers to traditional Japanese concepts. The kanji 「畳」 consists of the radical 「田」, which represents "rice field", and「冖」, a symbol that suggests coverage or closure. This combination of characters can be related to the act of overlapping and compacting, reflecting the practice of piling things efficiently. Furthermore, the same kanji root is used in the word "tatami", which describes the typical Japanese mats that can be folded or stacked, connecting it to the idea of maximizing space.

The use of 「畳む」 in Japan is quite broad. People often use this term in various everyday situations, such as:

• Dobrar roupas limpas após a lavagem.
• Close umbrellas when entering covered areas.
• Arrange futons throughout the day, a technique that frees up space in the rooms of the house.

From a cultural perspective, 「畳む」 also reflects the strong connection of the Japanese with space conservation and the practice of minimalism. This concept goes beyond simple organization and resonates deeply with maintaining order and clarity, not just in the physical environment but also in daily life. Thus, the word not only represents a physical action but also carries significant cultural weight.

Verbal conjugation of 畳む

See below a small list of verb conjugations: 畳む (tatamu)

• 畳む - Form of the base dictionary
• 畳みます - Polite form - Masu
• 畳め - Imperative form - Me
• 畳んで - Continuous form - You