Translation and Meaning of: 著す - arawasu

If you have ever wondered how to say "to write" or "to publish" in Japanese in a more formal and literary way, the word 著す (あらわす) is the answer. In this article, we will delve into the etymology, usage, and even curiosities about this verb, which frequently appears in academic and literary contexts. Furthermore, you will discover how to memorize it easily and even some tips on how to use it in everyday life. And if you are looking for a reliable dictionary, Suki Nihongo is a great reference for learning writing, example sentences, and even creating flashcards on Anki.

Many people search on Google not only for the meaning of 著す but also its origin, how to differentiate it from other similar verbs, and even practical examples. Therefore, let's break all of this down clearly and directly, without any fluff. If you've ever tried to read a book in Japanese or an academic article, you've probably come across this word — and now you'll understand exactly what it represents.

Etymology and Origin of 著す

The verb 著す has an interesting historical root. It is composed of the kanji 著, which carries the meaning of "to highlight" or "to record", combined with the verbal suffix す. Originally, this kanji was used to indicate something that stood out, like a literary work or an important treatise. Over time, its meaning evolved to the idea of "putting on paper" in a formal way, especially in publication contexts.

One curiosity is that, although 著す is often associated with books and articles, it can also be used in broader contexts, such as when someone "leaves their mark" in a field of study. If you have ever read the biography of a Japanese author, you have probably seen this word being used to describe the act of writing a significant work. It's as if the author not only writes but also "records" their ideas for posterity.

Use and Applications in Modern Japanese

Unlike more common verbs like 書く (kaku), which simply means "to write," 著す has a more solemn tone and is mainly used in formal situations. You wouldn't hear someone saying "I will 著す a note" — that would sound exaggerated. Instead, this verb appears in sentences like 「彼は多くの小説を著した」 (He wrote many novels), where there is a literary or academic weight.

Another important point is that 著す often implies authorship. When a researcher publishes an article or a writer releases a book, this verb is perfect to express that they not only wrote but also "produced" that work. If you are studying Japanese for academic purposes, it's worth incorporating this word into your vocabulary — it may appear in theses, reviews, and even in discussions about literature.

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

An easy way to 著す is to associate the kanji 著 with something "notable." Think of "a work that stands out" — after all, publishing a book is not something just anyone does. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like 「有名な作家が新しい本を著した」 (A famous writer published a new book) to reinforce the correct usage.

And here’s a fun fact: this verb is rarely used in casual everyday language, but it frequently appears on book covers and in author credits. If you’ve ever flipped through a manga or a Japanese textbook, you might have seen 著者 (chosha), which means "author" — a direct derivation of 著す. Notice how everything connects? Now that you know this word, how about trying to spot it the next time you read something in Japanese?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 著す

• 著す - dictionary form
• 著して - て form imperative
• 著した - Simple past form
• 著せず - negative form
• 著せば conditional form

Synonyms and similar words

• 著する (shozu) - Publish or write works.
• 著しい (ichijirushii) - Notable; well pronounced.
• 目立つ (medatsu) - Being prominent; attracting attention.
• 顕著な (kenchona) - Striking; stands out in evidence.
• 明白な (meihaku na) - Clarity; evident; without a doubt.