Translation and Meaning of: 瞑る - tsuburu

The Japanese word 瞑る[つぶる] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. If you have ever wondered how to memorize this term or in what contexts it appears, keep reading to find out.

In addition to explaining the translation and the correct writing, we will address cultural curiosities and practical tips for incorporating 瞑る into your vocabulary. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, has gathered essential information for you to understand this word clearly and in depth.

Meaning and usage of 瞑る [つぶる]

瞑る [つぶる] means "to close one's eyes" or "to squeeze the eyelids," usually intentionally. Unlike 閉じる [とじる], which can be used for doors or books, 瞑る is specifically related to the eyes. This distinction is important to avoid confusion when constructing sentences in Japanese.

A common example of use is in situations where someone tries to avoid seeing something, such as in 目を瞑る[めをつぶる] – literally "to close one's eyes". This expression can also have a figurative meaning, such as deliberately ignoring a problem. It is worth noting that, although not extremely frequent, the word appears in everyday conversations and even in song lyrics.

Origin and writing of the kanji 瞑

The kanji 瞑 is composed of the radical 目 (eye) combined with 冥 (dark, obscure), which semantically reinforces the idea of closing one's eyes. This composition is not random: in classical Chinese writing, many characters related to vision or the lack thereof use the radical 目 as a base.

Although 瞑る is the most correct form in kanji, it is common to find the writing only in hiragana (つぶる) in informal materials or even in some publications. This happens because the kanji is considered less frequently used, even among natives. For students, a memorization tip is to associate the radical 目 with the main meaning of the word.

Cultural context and learning tips

In Japan, closing one's eyes can have meanings beyond the literal. In traditional ceremonies or moments of concentration, 瞑る appears as a gesture of respect or introspection. Some martial arts also use the term to describe the correct posture before a movement.

To better memorize this word, one strategy is to create flashcards with an image of someone closing their eyes alongside the vocabulary. Another option is to practice with everyday sentences, such as ちょっと目を瞑って[ちょっとめをつぶって] – "Close your eyes for a moment". Repetition in real contexts helps to internalize not only the meaning but also the correct pronunciation.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 瞑る

• 瞑ます - Affirmative present form
• 瞑ませる - Causative form
• 瞑める - Potential form
• 瞑まない - Present negative form
• 瞑よう - Volitional form
• 瞑れば - Conditional form

Synonyms and similar words

• 黙る (Damaru) - Silence, remain silent.
• 閉じる (Tojiru) - Close, end something.
• 目を閉じる (Me o Tojiru) - Close your eyes.
• 静かにする (Shizuka ni suru) - To make something silent, to calm something down.
• 静止する (Seishi suru) - Stop, stay still.
• 沈黙する (Chinmoku suru) - Enter in silence, stay in deep calm.
• 沈静する (Chinsei suru) - Calm down, do it in silence.
• 静寂する (Shijaku suru) - Reaching a state of absolute silence.
• 静止させる (Seishi saseru) - Make stop, cause immobility.
• 静かにさせる (Shizuka ni saseru) - Make someone stay quiet.
• 静かになる (Shizuka ni naru) - Stay silent, become calm.
• 静かにしている (Shizuka ni shite iru) - Be silent, remain calm.
• 静かにならせる (Shizuka ni naraseru) - Make someone/something become quiet.