Translation and Meaning of: しくじる - shikujiru

If you've ever studied Japanese or watched an anime, you may have come across the word しくじる (shikujiru). But what does it really mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this expression in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we'll see how it is culturally perceived and if there are tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you're looking to understand this word better, you've come to the right place!

Meaning and translation of しくじる

しくじる is a Japanese verb that means "to fail," "to make a mistake," or "to mess something up." It is often used to describe situations where someone makes a serious error or is unable to successfully complete a task. For example, if someone loses a job due to a slip-up, they might say that they しくじった (shikujitta).

An interesting fact is that this word carries a more informal tone and, in some contexts, it can even convey a sense of regret. Unlike more neutral like 失敗する (shippai suru), which also means "to fail," しくじる has a more personal and sometimes dramatic nuance.

Origin and Cultural Use

The exact origin of しくじる is not entirely clear, but some linguists suggest that it may have roots in the Kansai dialect before spreading throughout the rest of Japan. Unlike words formed by kanji, しくじる is written solely in hiragana, which emphasizes its colloquial nature.

In Japan, this word is commonly used in day-to-day conversations, especially among friends or in casual situations. However, in formal settings, like work meetings, it is more common to choose less direct expressions. This illustrates how the Japanese language varies according to social context.

Tips to memorize しくじる

An effective way to the meaning of しくじる is to associate it with situations of failure or frustration. For example, imagine someone saying "shikujitta!" after breaking a valuable object. This image can help solidify the word in memory.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, like 試験をしくじった (shiken o shikujitta), which means "I failed the exam". Repeating real examples in different contexts makes assimilation easier. If you use apps like Anki, creating flashcards with this word can also be helpful.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of しくじる

• しくじる - base form
• しくずれる - negative
• しくずらせる - potential
• しくじろう - imperative
• しくじって - Form て gerund

Synonyms and similar words

• 失敗する (shippai suru) - fail, make a mistake
• しくじる (shikujiru) - to err, to fail at a task
• 落ちこぼれる (ochikoboreru) - to be left behind, to fail to keep up
• しくじり (shikujiri) - an error or failure, a mistake
• つまずく (tsumazuku) - to stumble, to fail at something
• 落ち込む (ochikomu) - feel down, feel discouraged
• 落胆する (rakutan suru) - to be disappointed, to become discouraged
• 負ける (makeru) - lose, fail in a competition
• 落ち度がある (ochido ga aru) - to make a mistake, to have a failure