Translation and Meaning of: 受け付ける - uketsukeru

If you've ever had to deal with forms, registrations, or bureaucratic processes in Japan, you've probably come across the verb 受け付ける [うけつける]. This word, which means "to be accepted" or "to receive (a registration)," is essential in everyday Japanese, especially in formal contexts. In this article, we will explore its etymology, practical usage, and even tips to memorize this very useful term. If you study Japanese, you'll love discovering how the pictogram of this word reveals part of its history and meaning.

In addition to understanding the translation and origin of 受け付ける, you will learn how to apply it in real situations, such as in online forms or in customer service. And if you use Anki or another spaced repetition method, get ready for some ready-made sentences that will boost your studies. Let's go?

Etymology and Pictogram: What does 受け付ける hide?

The verb 受け付ける is composed of two kanji: 受ける (うける - to receive) and 付ける (つける - to attach, to fix). Together, they form the idea of "receiving and processing," like when a company accepts your job application. The first kanji, 受, depicts a hand (又) taking something from under a roof (宀), while 付 brings the radical for "person" (亻) next to a symbol that suggests something being placed. Visually, you can already sense the action of "taking and ing."

Interestingly, this combination is not as old as it seems. Although the individual kanjis have centuries of history, the use of 受け付ける to mean "to formally accept" became popular during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan modernized its bureaucracy. Before that, it was more common to use like 受取る (うけとる) for everyday situations.

Practical Use: When and How to Say 受けつける

In present-day Japan, 受け付ける appears frequently in notices from shops, government websites, and company announcements. Phrases like "申し込みを受け付けています" (we are accepting applications) or "明日から受け付け開始" (registration starts tomorrow) are common. A common mistake among learners is to use this verb to accept informal invitations - in those cases, 受け入れる (うけいれる) sounds more natural.

A practical example: when applying for a visa, you will see "申請を受け付けた後..." (after accepting the application...). Notice how it conveys formality? This nuance is crucial. One tip is to associate 受け付ける with situations involving deadlines, forms, or official registrations. It works like "accept" in "we accept cards," not like in "accept a gift."

Memory Tips and Curiosities

To not forget 受け付ける, imagine a scene: you hand over documents (付ける) and someone receives them (受ける) at a counter. This visual helps to cement it. Another trick is to that it appears on electronic signs at stations - when it says "切符を受け付けておりません" (we are not accepting tickets), there are usually problems with the trains.

A cultural curiosity: during the school enrollment period in Japan, this word becomes almost a mantra. Mothers often ask "もう受け付けた?" (have they accepted?) referring to their children's school. It's also common in fancy restaurants with reservations - if the staff says "受け付け済みです" (it's ed), you can breathe a sigh of relief, your table is guaranteed.

Hey, ready to use 受け付ける like a native? Next time you see this verb on a form, : it's not just about accepting, but a whole process behind it. As they say in Japan, しっかり受け付けてください (please carefully)!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 受け付ける

• 受け付けます - Polite affirmative form ます
• 受け付けません - Negative polite form ません
• 受け付けない - Informal negative form ない
• 受け付けました - Affirmative past form ました
• 受け付けませんでした - Past negative form ませんでした

Synonyms and similar words

• 受け入れる (ukeireru) - Accept, embrace
• 受付ける (uketsukeru) - receive, accept (usually used in formal or istrative contexts)
• 受け取る (uketorü) - receive, accept something (like a gift or message)
• 受け止める (uketomeru) - to receive, to bear (usually used in the context of understanding or dealing with a situation)
• 受け容れる (ukeireru) - accept, accommodate (with an emphasis on deep acceptance or embrace)