Translation and Meaning of: 足る - taru

The Japanese word 足る (たる) carries a deep and philosophical meaning, often associated with the idea of sufficiency and satisfaction. In this article, we will explore its use in everyday life, its origin, and how it reflects cultural values of Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding 足る will help expand your knowledge of expressions that go beyond the literal sense.

In addition to being a rarely used verb in modern Japanese, 足る appears in formal contexts and proverbs, conveying the notion of "to be enough" or "to be satisfied." We will see how it connects with concepts such as contentment and moderation, present in Eastern philosophy. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides practical examples for those who want to memorize this word efficiently.

Meaning and use of 足る

足る is a verb that means "to be sufficient" or "to suffice". Unlike more everyday like 十分 (じゅうぶん), which also express sufficiency, 足る has a more formal and philosophical tone. It often appears in expressions like 足るを知る (たるをしる), which means "to know sufficiency" and refers to the idea of being content with what one has.

In modern Japanese, 足る is not very common in everyday conversation, but it is still used in literary texts, speeches, and proverbs. One interesting fact is that this verb often appears in the negative form (足りない - たりない), which means "to not be enough" or "to lack." This variation is much more frequent in everyday vocabulary.

Origin and cultural connection

The origin of 足る is linked to the kanji 足, which means "foot" or "leg," but also carries the idea of "completing" or "satisfying." This duality of meanings helps to understand why the verb conveys the notion of something that fulfills a need. In Japanese culture, the word is associated with the Buddhist concept of detachment and moderation.

Proverbs like 足るを知る者は富む (たるをしるものはとむ) – "he who knows enough is rich" – show how the word is rooted in teachings about contentment. This type of expression reflects traditional values that emphasize simplicity and harmony, in contrast to excessive consumerism.

Tips for memorization

An effective way to memorize 足る is to associate it with fixed expressions, like the ones already mentioned. Creating flashcards with examples of usage helps to reinforce not only the meaning but also the context in which the word appears. Another tip is to that it is usually used in situations involving reflection or advice, not in casual conversations.

For those who use Anki, including phrases like これで足る (this is enough) or 足るを知る生活 (a life of contentment) can be helpful. Spaced repetition makes it easier to assimilate this verb, which, being less frequent, requires a bit more attention during studies.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 足る

• 足る - Form dictionary infinitive
• 足ります - Present form
• 足りました - Past form
• 足りたい - Desired shape
• 足れば conditional form
• 足って - て form imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 充分 (jyubun) - Sufficient, appropriate
• 十分 (juubun) - Completely sufficient, full
• 満たす (mitasu) - Fill, satisfy
• 満足する (manzoku suru) - To be satisfied, happy
• 足りる (tariru) - Be sufficient, be enough