Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn the word 掛ける (kakeru). It is a verb. It means two things. First, it means to hang something. Like, you hang your coat. Or you hang a picture. Second, it means to call on the phone. Like, you call your mom. You use this word when you want to say you hang something or you call someone. It is a useful word for talking about everyday things!
The Japanese verb 掛ける (kakeru) is very useful for daily life. It has two main meanings. The first is 'to hang'. You can hang clothes on a line, or hang a clock on the wall. For example, 「時計を掛ける」 (tokei o kakeru) means 'to hang a clock'. The second meaning is 'to make a phone call'. The common phrase is 「電話を掛ける」 (denwa o kakeru). This means 'to call someone on the phone'. You will hear this verb a lot, so it's good to remember these two uses.
掛ける (kakeru) is a high-frequency Japanese verb with two primary meanings that are essential for everyday communication. Firstly, it means 'to hang' or 'to suspend'. This applies to objects like pictures, decorations, or clothing. For instance, 「壁に絵を掛ける」 (kabe ni e o kakeru) means 'to hang a picture on the wall'. Secondly, and very commonly, it means 'to make a phone call'. The standard expression for this is 「電話を掛ける」 (denwa o kakeru). Understanding the context is crucial, as the same verb can refer to either action. Recognizing these core uses will significantly improve your comprehension and ability to express yourself in Japanese.
The Japanese verb 掛ける (kakeru) demonstrates polysemy, with its core meanings revolving around 'hanging' and 'making a call'. The physical act of hanging involves placing an object so it is suspended, such as 「コートを掛ける」 (kōto o kakeru - to hang a coat). In telecommunications, 「電話を掛ける」 (denwa o kakeru) is the idiomatic way to say 'to make a phone call'. Beyond these literal uses, 掛ける can also appear in more abstract or figurative expressions, such as causing worry (心配を掛ける - shinpai o kakeru) or causing trouble (迷惑を掛ける - meiwaku o kakeru). These idiomatic uses require a deeper understanding of cultural context and nuance, highlighting the verb's versatility in expressing a range of actions and consequences.
The Japanese verb 掛ける (kakeru) offers a rich study in semantic extension. Its foundational meanings include the physical act of suspension ('to hang') and the initiation of telecommunication ('to make a call'). However, its semantic scope broadens considerably. Figurative extensions include applying effort or influence, as in 「力を掛ける」 (chikara o kakeru - to exert power/effort), or casting something, like a spell or a net. Furthermore, it is integral to numerous set phrases that convey social interactions and consequences, such as 「迷惑を掛ける」 (meiwaku o kakeru - to cause trouble/inconvenience) and 「心配を掛ける」 (shinpai o kakeru - to cause worry). The nuances of these expressions often depend on subtle contextual cues and cultural understanding, making 掛ける a prime example of a polysemous verb with significant idiomatic weight in advanced Japanese.
Mastering 掛ける (kakeru) requires appreciating its deep etymological roots and the subsequent semantic drift that has endowed it with a wide array of meanings and idiomatic functions. Originating from the concept of physical suspension, its application has expanded metaphorically. The literal 'hanging' of objects (e.g., 「飾りを掛ける」 - kazari o kakeru, to hang decorations) contrasts with the initiation of a phone call (「電話を掛ける」 - denwa o kakeru), itself a metaphor for establishing a connection. Advanced usage encompasses abstract applications like imposing obligations (e.g., 「責任を掛ける」 - sekinin o kakeru, to place responsibility), exerting influence, or even initiating actions like 'casting' a vote or a spell. The verb is a cornerstone of expressions denoting social debt and interpersonal impact, such as 「恩を掛ける」 (on o kakeru - to do a favor, to incur a debt of gratitude) or the aforementioned 「迷惑を掛ける」 and 「心配を掛ける」. Understanding the historical trajectory from physical hanging to these complex social and abstract connotations is key to a profound grasp of 掛ける.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- 掛ける (kakeru) is a versatile verb.
- Main meanings: 'to hang' objects and 'to make a phone call'.
- Key idiomatic uses include causing trouble (迷惑を掛ける) and worry (心配を掛ける).
- Context is crucial to distinguish between its various meanings.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 掛ける (kakeru). It might seem like a simple word, but it packs a punch with its meanings! You'll most often hear it used in two main ways: to hang something up, or to make a phone call. Think about hanging a picture on your wall – that's 掛ける! Or when you want to chat with a friend on the phone, you'll also use 掛ける to describe the action of calling them. It's one of those verbs that pops up constantly in daily conversations, so getting a good handle on it will really boost your Japanese skills!
Beyond these core meanings, 掛ける can also extend to more abstract ideas. For example, you might hear about 'putting effort' into something or 'casting a spell', both of which can use variations of this verb. It’s a fantastic example of how one word can cover a lot of ground in a language. We'll explore all these facets, from the literal to the figurative, so you can feel confident using 掛ける in any situation!
The verb 掛ける (kakeru) has a fascinating history rooted in the very concept of 'hanging' or 'suspending'. Its origins trace back to ancient Japanese, where the character 掛 (kake) itself depicted something dangling or suspended. Initially, it was likely used for physical actions, like hanging clothes on a branch or a tool on a hook. The character's visual representation often involved something falling or being held from above.
Over time, as Japanese society and language evolved, the meaning of 掛ける broadened. The idea of 'suspending' or 'placing something upon' another surface led to more abstract applications. For instance, the act of placing a burden or responsibility on someone could be seen as 'hanging' that duty onto them. Similarly, the development of telecommunication technology brought about the specific use of 掛ける for making phone calls – essentially 'hanging' a connection or conversation onto the line. This semantic expansion is common in language, where core concepts are adapted to new contexts. The journey of 掛ける from a simple physical action to a multifaceted verb reflects the dynamic nature of linguistic development.
Let's talk about how you'll actually use 掛ける (kakeru) in sentences! The two most common scenarios are hanging objects and making calls. For hanging, you'll often see it paired with nouns like 絵 (e - picture), 時計 (tokei - clock), or 洗濯物 (sentakumono - laundry). For example, 「壁に絵を掛ける」 (kabe ni e o kakeru) means 'to hang a picture on the wall'.
When it comes to phone calls, the noun is usually 電話 (denwa - telephone). So, 「電話を掛ける」 (denwa o kakeru) is the standard way to say 'to make a phone call'. You might also hear variations like 「用事を掛ける」 (yōji o kakeru), meaning 'to make a call for a specific purpose'. Remember that context is key! If someone says they are '掛けている' (kakete iru), they could be hanging something or on the phone. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the situation to understand which meaning is intended. It's a verb that truly integrates into the fabric of everyday Japanese communication.
掛ける (kakeru) is a versatile verb that appears in many colorful idioms and expressions! These phrases often take the core meaning of 'hanging' or 'applying' and give it a figurative twist. Mastering them can add a lot of nuance and naturalness to your Japanese.
Here are a few common ones:
- 心配を掛ける (shinpai o kakeru): This means 'to cause worry' or 'to make someone anxious'. It's like 'hanging' your worries onto someone else. Example: 「親に心配を掛けたくない。」 (Oya ni shinpai o kaketakunai.) - I don't want to worry my parents.
- 迷惑を掛ける (meiwaku o kakeru): This translates to 'to cause trouble' or 'to inconvenience someone'. It's a very common and important phrase to know for politeness. Example: 「遅刻して皆に迷惑を掛けた。」 (Chikoku shite minna ni meiwaku o kaketa.) - I was late and caused trouble for everyone.
- 声が掛かる (koe ga kakaru): Literally 'a voice is hung/called', this means 'to be offered a job' or 'to receive an offer'. It implies someone is reaching out to you. Example: 「良い仕事のオファーが声が掛かった。」 (Yoi shigoto no ofaa ga koe ga kakatta.) - I received an offer for a good job.
- 目が高い (me ga takai): While not directly using 掛ける, this idiom meaning 'to have a good eye' or 'to be discerning' relates to the idea of 'placing' one's judgment. It's about having a high standard. Example: 「彼は美術品に目が高い。」 (Kare wa bijutsihin ni me ga takai.) - He has a good eye for art.
- 橋を掛ける (hashi o kakeru): This means 'to build a bridge'. It can be literal or figurative, like building a connection between people. Example: 「二つの地域を結ぶ橋を掛ける計画がある。」 (Futatsu no chiiki o musubu hashi o kakeru keikaku ga aru.) - There's a plan to build a bridge connecting the two regions.
These expressions show how the concept of 'hanging', 'applying', or 'casting' is used in various contexts to convey deeper meanings. Keep an eye out for them!
Let's break down the grammar and pronunciation of 掛ける (kakeru). As a Group 2 verb (ichidan), it conjugates quite regularly. The masu-stem is 掛 (kake), so you get forms like 掛ける (kakemasu - polite present), 掛けない (kakenai - negative), 掛けた (kaketa - past), and 掛けて (kakete - te-form).
The te-form, 掛けて (kakete), is particularly important as it's used to form continuous tenses (掛けている - kakete iru, 'is hanging' or 'is on the phone') and to link clauses. For example, 「電話を掛けて待っています。」 (Denwa o kakete matte imasu.) means 'I'm waiting after making a call.'
Pronunciation-wise, the 'kake' part sounds like the English word 'cake', and 'ru' is a short, unstressed sound similar to the 'roo' in 'kangaroo'. The emphasis is fairly even across the syllables. In British English, it would sound like /kəˈkeɪ.ruː/, and in American English, it's quite similar, perhaps /kəˈkeɪ.ru/. Rhyming words are rare for this specific sound combination in English, but words ending in '-eru' like 'ferrule' or 'carol' share the final sound.
Common pronunciation errors for learners might include mispronouncing the 'ru' sound, making it too strong, or not distinguishing clearly between the two main meanings based on context.
Fun Fact
The kanji character '掛' itself visually suggests something hanging or dangling, possibly from a branch or hook.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'keh-KAY-roo', with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Similar to British pronunciation, 'keh-KAY-roo', stress on the second syllable.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the final 'ru' too strongly, making it sound like 'rue'. It should be a short, soft sound.
- Not distinguishing between 掛ける (kakeru) and 掛かる (kakaru) in pronunciation, which can lead to confusion.
- Adding unnecessary stress to the first syllable 'ka'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding context for meaning.
Choosing the correct kanji and context.
Common verb, pronunciation is relatively straightforward.
Distinguishing meaning based on context is key.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
掛ける (transitive) vs. 掛かる (intransitive)
Te-form Usage
掛けている (kakete iru - continuous state), 掛けてください (kakete kudasai - polite request)
Idiomatic Expressions
Understanding phrases like 迷惑を掛ける
Examples by Level
コートを掛ける。
coat hang.
Verb 'kakeru' in dictionary form.
電話を掛ける。
phone call.
Common phrase 'denwa o kakeru'.
時計を掛ける。
clock hang.
Object + particle 'o' + verb.
母に電話を掛ける。
mother to phone call.
Indirect object marker 'ni'.
絵を掛ける。
picture hang.
Direct object marker 'o'.
電話を掛けてください。
phone call please.
Te-form + 'kudasai' for polite request.
ここに掛ける。
here hang.
Location marker 'koko ni'.
誰に掛ける？
who to call?
Question word 'dare' (who).
私は壁に絵を掛けるのが好きです。
I wall on picture hang geru is like.
Nominalizer 'no' turns verb phrase into noun.
友達に電話を掛けるつもりです。
friend to phone call intend to do.
'Tsumori desu' expresses intention.
洗濯物をベランダに掛けてください。
laundry balcony on hang please.
Polite command using te-form + kudasai.
緊急の電話を掛けなければなりません。
emergency phone call must do.
'Nakereba narimasen' means 'must'.
この時計は古くて、まだ動いています。壁に掛けましょう。
this clock old, still works. wall on let's hang.
'mashou' is the volitional form, suggesting 'let's'.
父が仕事で忙しいので、電話を掛ける時間がありません。
father work at busy because, phone call time not have.
'Node' indicates reason.
新しいコートをクローゼットに掛けておきましょう。
new coat closet in hang let's keep.
Te-form + 'okimashou' suggests doing something and leaving it that way.
誰に電話を掛ければいいですか？
who phone call should do?
'...eba ii desu ka?' asks for advice.
心配を掛けないように、できるだけ早く連絡します。
worry not to cause, as much as possible quickly contact will do.
Idiomatic usage: 心配を掛ける (to cause worry).
新しいプロジェクトのために、上司に電話を掛ける必要がある。
new project for, boss to phone call necessity exists.
Expressing necessity with 'hitsuyou ga aru'.
この重いタペストリーを壁に掛けるのは大変だった。
this heavy tapestry wall on hang was difficult.
Using the te-form to connect actions or describe difficulty.
彼が私に迷惑を掛けたので、もう話したくありません。
he me trouble caused because, anymore talk not want.
Idiomatic usage: 迷惑を掛ける (to cause trouble).
明日の会議について、担当者に電話を掛けて確認してください。
tomorrow's meeting about, person in charge to phone call confirm please.
Using te-form for sequential actions.
雨が降っているので、洗濯物は部屋の中に掛けて乾かすしかない。
rain falling because, laundry room inside hang dry only way.
'...shika nai' means 'there is no choice but to...'.
彼女はいつも親切で、周りの人に良い影響を掛けているようだ。
she always kind, people around good influence is exerting seems.
Figurative usage: 影響を掛ける (to exert influence).
この件について、後で改めて電話を掛け直します。
this matter about, later again phone call will redo.
'Kake-naosu' means 'to call back'.
長年の努力が実を結び、ついに彼の会社に良い話が声が掛かった。
many years effort bore fruit, finally his company good offer voice called.
Idiomatic usage: 声が掛かる (to receive an offer/be approached).
他人に迷惑を掛けることを極度に恐れるあまり、自分の意見をなかなか言えない。
others trouble cause extreme fear, own opinion hard to say.
Expressing fear and inability using 〜あまり and 〜なかなか言えない.
この歴史的な建造物に、現代的なアート作品を掛けるのは賛否両論を呼ぶだろう。
this historical building modern art work hang will invite pros and cons.
Using te-form to link clauses and express potential outcomes.
緊急事態なので、関係各所に電話を掛けまくって情報を集めた。
emergency situation because, relevant parties phone calls made incessantly information gathered.
'Makuru' suffix indicates doing something excessively.
彼の発言は、多くの人々に不用意な心配を掛ける結果となった。
his statement, many people careless worry cause result became.
Using 〜結果となった (became the result) with an idiomatic phrase.
古い掛け軸を丁寧に外し、桐箱に掛けて保管した。
old hanging scroll carefully removed, paulownia box in hung stored.
Distinguishing between掛ける (to hang) and 掛けて保管する (to store after hanging/placing).
この地域では、新しい橋を掛けることで経済活性化を図っている。
this region in, new bridge build by economic vitalization aiming.
Figurative usage: 橋を掛ける (to build a bridge, literal or figurative).
重要な商談の最中に電話が掛かってきたため、失礼ながら中断せざるを得なかった。
important business talk during phone ringing because, impolite though interrupt unavoidable.
'...sa zaru o enai' means 'cannot help but do...'.
その政治家の心無い言葉は、国民に深い懸念を掛け、社会不安を煽る結果となった。
that politician's heartless words, citizens deep concern caused, social anxiety fueled result became.
Complex sentence structure combining idiomatic phrases and consequence clauses.
彼は、人脈を駆使して有望な若手アーティストに次々と仕事の声を掛け、そのキャリア形成に大きく寄与した。
he connections utilizing promising young artists sequentially job offers made, their career formation greatly contributed.
Advanced idiomatic usage '声が掛ける' (to offer opportunities) and complex sentence construction.
旧市街の景観保護のため、新たな建造物のデザインには極めて慎重な配慮が求められ、伝統的な様式に敬意を掛けることが不可欠だ。
old town cityscape protection for, new building design extreme careful consideration required, traditional style respect exert essential.
Figurative use of '敬意を掛ける' (to pay respect) in a formal context.
その詐欺師は、巧みな話術で被害者に過剰な期待を掛けさせ、大金を騙し取った。
that con artist, skillful rhetoric victims excessive expectations caused, large sums of money swindled.
Figurative usage: 期待を掛ける (to place expectations).
現代社会における人間関係の希薄化は、互いに精神的な負担を掛け合うという負の連鎖を生み出している。
modern society interpersonal relationships thinning, mutually mental burden exert negative chain creating.
Complex sentence discussing social phenomena using '負担を掛け合う' (to burden each other).
彼は、恩師からの激励の言葉を胸に掛け、困難な研究に果敢に挑み続けた。
he mentor's encouraging words heart wear, difficult research bravely challenged continued.
Figurative usage: 胸に掛ける (to take to heart, to cherish).
この地域開発計画は、賛成派と反対派の間で激しい意見の応酬を掛け、合意形成には程遠い状況だ。
this regional development plan, proponents opponents between fierce opinion exchange occurred, consensus formation far from situation.
Figurative usage: 意見の応酬を掛ける (to exchange opinions intensely).
彼女は、幼い頃から抱いていた画家への憧れを現実のものとするべく、情熱を作品に掛け続けている。
she since childhood held artist's admiration reality make, passion works pouring continuously.
Figurative usage: 情熱を掛ける (to pour passion into).
その老練な外交官は、言葉の端々に含みを持たせ、相手国の思惑に巧みに橋を掛けつつ、自国の国益を最大化する駆け引きを展開した。
that seasoned diplomat, words' edges implications carrying, opposing country's intentions skillfully bridge building while, own country's national interest maximizing negotiation unfolded.
Complex interplay of figurative '橋を掛ける' (building bridges/connections) and diplomatic maneuvering.
近年のグローバル化の進展は、文化間の相互理解を促進する一方で、異質なものへの無理解や偏見といった新たな懸念を社会に掛け渡す皮肉な側面も呈している。
recent globalization's progress, cultures mutual understanding promoting while, different things lack of understanding prejudice new concerns society onto extending ironic aspect also presents.
Abstract use of '懸念を掛け渡す' (extending concerns across) to describe societal impact.
彼は、恩師から受けた多大な恩義に対し、自らの全精力を傾注し、学術界に新たな地平を切り拓くという形で恩を掛け返すことを生涯の使命とした。
he mentor from received immense gratitude, own entire energy pouring, academic world new horizons opening way gratitude repaying life's mission made.
Complex expression of gratitude and repayment using '恩を掛け返す' (to repay a favor/kindness).
その芸術家の作品群は、鑑賞者の深層心理に静かに、しかし確実に作用を掛け、潜在的な記憶や感情を呼び覚ますかのようであった。
that artist's body of work, viewer's subconscious mind quietly, but surely influence exerting, latent memories emotions awaken as if.
Subtle figurative use of '作用を掛ける' (to exert influence/effect) on the psyche.
現代のメディア環境においては、情報の真偽を巡る攻防が絶えず繰り広げられ、受信者側は批判的思考という名の盾を掛け、情報の洪水に対峙しなければならない。
modern media environment in, information truth concerning battles constantly waged, receiver side critical thinking named shield hanging, information flood confront must.
Metaphorical use of '盾を掛ける' (to hang/raise a shield) in the context of information warfare.
彼は、言葉巧みに相手の良心に訴えかけることで、本来ならば断られるはずの依頼にまで承諾を取り付けるという、卓越した交渉術を披露した。
he skillfully opponent's conscience appeal by, originally would be refused requests even agreement obtain showed, exceptional negotiation skills.
Figurative use of appealing to conscience, implying 'placing' a burden or suggestion.
その事件の真相究明は、関係者の間に不信の壁を掛け、捜査当局を大いに悩ませた。
that incident's truth investigation, involved parties between distrust wall erected, investigative authorities greatly troubled.
Metaphorical use of '壁を掛ける' (to erect a wall) to signify obstruction and distrust.
彼女は、幼少期からの夢であった舞台女優になるという目標に自身の全存在を掛け、その情熱は共演者たちにも伝播し、作品全体に活気をもたらした。
she childhood from dream stage actress become goal on own entire existence wagered, that passion co-stars also spread, work whole vitality brought.
Intense figurative use of '全存在を掛ける' (to stake one's entire existence) on a goal.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"心配を掛ける"
To cause worry or anxiety to someone.
子供が遅くまで帰ってこないと、親は心配を掛けてしまう。
neutral"迷惑を掛ける"
To cause trouble, inconvenience, or annoyance to someone.
公共の場で騒いで、周りの人に迷惑を掛けるべきではない。
neutral"声が掛かる"
To receive an offer, especially for a job or role; to be approached.
長年の努力が認められ、ついに有名企業から声が掛かった。
neutral"橋を掛ける"
To build a bridge (literal); to establish a connection or relationship (figurative).
このプロジェクトは、二つの部署の間に橋を掛ける役割を果たした。
neutral"火を掛ける"
To turn on the heat; to start cooking.
フライパンに油をひいて火を掛けた。
neutral"鍵を掛ける"
To lock (a door, etc.).
寝る前に必ず玄関の鍵を掛けるのを忘れないでください。
neutral"時間を掛ける"
To take time; to spend a lot of time on something.
この精密な模型を作るには、相当な時間を掛けた。
neutralEasily Confused
Sounds very similar to 掛ける (kakeru) and shares the same kanji root.
掛ける is transitive (subject acts upon an object: I hang the picture, I call you). 掛かる is intransitive (the subject is acted upon or experiences something: The picture is hung, the phone is ringing, it costs money, it takes time).
電話を掛ける (denwa o kakeru - to make a call) vs. 電話が掛かる (denwa ga kakaru - to receive a call). 費用が掛かる (hiyou ga kakaru - it costs money).
Also means 'to hang'.
掛ける is more general for hanging objects or making calls. 吊るす specifically implies hanging something so it dangles or is suspended, often vertically (like laundry on a line, or a person hanging themselves).
洗濯物を吊るす (sentakumono o tsurusu - to hang laundry) is common. 壁に絵を掛ける (kabe ni e o kakeru - to hang a picture on the wall) is also common.
Reads the same as 掛ける and can also mean 'to hang' or 'to build'.
架ける is typically used for building structures like bridges (橋を架ける - hashi o kakeru) or sometimes for hanging things in a more formal or literary sense. 掛ける is the standard verb for everyday hanging and making calls.
橋を架ける (hashi o kakeru - to build a bridge) vs. 電話を掛ける (denwa o kakeru - to make a phone call).
Can sometimes seem similar when talking about placing objects.
置く means 'to put' or 'to place' something on a surface (horizontally). 掛ける means 'to hang' something so it is suspended (often vertically).
テーブルに本を置く (teeburu ni hon o oku - to put a book on the table) vs. 壁に時計を掛ける (kabe ni tokei o kakeru - to hang a clock on the wall).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 掛ける
電話を掛ける (denwa o kakeru - to make a phone call)
Location + に + Noun + を + 掛ける
壁に絵を掛ける (kabe ni e o kakeru - to hang a picture on the wall)
Noun + を + 掛けて + いる
コートを掛けている (kōto o kakete iru - is hanging a coat)
Idiomatic Phrase (e.g., 迷惑を + 掛ける)
迷惑を掛ける (meiwaku o kakeru - to cause trouble)
Noun + が + 掛かる (intransitive counterpart)
費用が掛かる (hiyou ga kakaru - it costs money)
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Verwandt
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
掛ける is generally transitive and implies hanging an object. For the act of hanging oneself, 吊る (tsurusu) is the correct verb.
For example, 電話を掛ける (denwa o kakeru - to make a call) vs. 電話が掛かる (denwa ga kakaru - to receive a call).
While 掛ける can mean to hang, 干す is specifically used for drying clothes in the sun or air, and 吊るす is common for hanging laundry on a line.
掛ける is for suspending; 取り付ける is for attaching or installing something more permanently.
While 掛ける is versatile, relying on it too heavily can make speech ambiguous. For example, 'exerting effort' can be 力を使う (chikara o tsukau) or 努力する (doryoku suru).
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize your room. Hang a picture on the wall (掛ける). Then, imagine your phone ringing, and you pick it up to make a call (掛ける). Associate the action with the verb.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for '電話を掛ける' when people talk about calling someone. Also, notice when people mention hanging decorations or coats, they'll likely use 掛ける.
Cultural Insight
The phrase 迷惑を掛ける (meiwaku o kakeru) is vital. Being mindful of not causing trouble is a key aspect of Japanese social harmony.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember the te-form 掛けて (kakete). It's used for continuous actions (掛けている - is hanging/is on the phone) and linking sentences (e.g., 'I called and then...').
Say It Right
Keep the 'ru' at the end soft and quick, like the 'roo' in 'kangaroo', not a strong 'rue'.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid confusing 掛ける (kakeru - transitive) with 掛かる (kakaru - intransitive). They sound similar but have different meanings and grammatical roles.
Did You Know?
The kanji '掛' itself looks like something hanging down, which helps remember the primary meaning!
Study Smart
Create flashcards with sentences for both meanings: 'I hung the picture' and 'I called my friend'. Drill them regularly.
Idiom Power-Up
Learn 迷惑を掛ける and 心配を掛ける. They are frequently used and show a deeper understanding of Japanese social interaction.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine 'hanging' a phone cord onto a hook, and then 'calling' someone. The 'kake' sound is like 'cake', so maybe you're 'hanging' a cake on the wall before you 'call' for help!
Visual Association
Picture a coat 'hanging' on a hook next to a ringing telephone.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try using both meanings of 'kakeru' in sentences today. Hang up your keys, then call a friend.
Wortherkunft
Japanese
Original meaning: To suspend, to hang.
Kultureller Kontext
Using '迷惑を掛ける' (meiwaku o kakeru) inappropriately can cause offense. It's important to use it sincerely when acknowledging causing inconvenience.
In English, 'to hang' and 'to call' are distinct verbs. The Japanese verb 'kakeru' combines these, which can be a point of confusion but also efficiency in the language.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At home
- コートを掛ける (hang coat)
- 鍵を掛ける (lock door)
- 時計を掛ける (hang clock)
On the phone
- 電話を掛ける (make call)
- 電話が掛かってくる (receive call)
- 掛け直す (call back)
Social Interactions
- 迷惑を掛ける (cause trouble)
- 心配を掛ける (cause worry)
- お世話になります (often implies receiving help, a form of 'kakeru')
Work/Business
- 電話を掛ける (make call)
- 声を掛ける (offer opportunity)
- 時間を掛ける (take time on a task)
Conversation Starters
"What did you hang on your wall today?"
"Who did you call recently?"
"Have you ever caused someone trouble (迷惑を掛けた)?"
"What's something you're willing to spend a lot of time on (時間を掛ける)?"
"Did you receive any interesting offers recently (声が掛かった)?"
"How do you usually hang your coat when you get home?"
"Do you prefer calling or texting?"
"What's the most beautiful bridge you've ever seen (橋を架けた/掛けている)?"
"What do you do when you feel worried (心配を掛ける)?"
"How long does it usually take you to get ready in the morning (時間を掛ける)?"
Journal Prompts
Describe something you hung up today and why.
Write about a time you called someone important and what you discussed.
Reflect on a time you caused inconvenience (迷惑を掛けた) and what you learned.
Think about a goal you are spending a lot of time and effort on (時間を掛けている). Describe your process.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenWhile 「電話を掛ける」 (denwa o kakeru) is the standard way to say 'to make a phone call', the verb 掛ける itself has other meanings like 'to hang'. Context is crucial to determine the intended meaning.
掛ける (kakeru) is a transitive verb meaning 'to hang something' or 'to make a call'. 掛かる (kakaru) is its intransitive counterpart, meaning 'to be hung', 'to cost money', 'to take time', or 'to be affected by something'.
While technically possible, it's more common and specific to use 干す (hosu) for drying clothes, or 吊るす (tsurusu) for hanging laundry on a line.
Yes, you might hear 連絡する (renraku suru - to contact) or ダイヤルする (daiyaru suru - to dial), but 掛ける is the most common and natural verb for initiating a call.
The common phrase is 迷惑を掛ける (meiwaku o kakeru). It's an important expression for politeness and acknowledging inconvenience caused to others.
Yes, in idiomatic expressions like 心配を掛ける (to cause worry) or 影響を掛ける (to exert influence), the concept of 'hanging' or 'applying' is used figuratively.
Primarily, yes. However, in some very casual contexts or specific compounds, you might see the hiragana form 'かける' used, but the kanji 掛 is standard for this verb.
Pay attention to the surrounding words. If you hear '電話' (denwa - phone), it's a call. If you hear '壁' (kabe - wall) or '絵' (e - picture), it's likely hanging something.
Teste dich selbst
I want to ______ a picture on the wall.
'Hang' is the correct translation for掛ける in this context.
What does 「電話を掛ける」 mean?
「電話を掛ける」 specifically means 'to make a phone call'.
The verb 掛ける (kakeru) can only mean 'to hang'.
掛ける also means 'to make a phone call' and has several idiomatic uses.
Word
Bedeutung
Matching the phrases to their correct meanings.
The correct sentence is 'I want to call a friend.'
Please don't ______ trouble for others.
The idiom is 'to cause trouble', which in Japanese often uses 迷惑を掛ける.
Which phrase means 'to receive an offer'?
声が掛かる specifically means to be offered something, like a job.
The project aims to ______ a bridge between the two communities.
Figuratively, 橋を掛ける means to build a bridge or connection.
The verb 掛かる (kakaru) is the transitive form of 掛ける (kakeru).
掛かる is the intransitive counterpart of the transitive verb 掛ける.
After the controversial statement, the politician faced public ______.
The context implies causing negative attention, fitting the idiom 迷惑を掛ける (to cause trouble/inconvenience).
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
Mastering 掛ける unlocks essential everyday actions from hanging decorations to initiating conversations.
- 掛ける (kakeru) is a versatile verb.
- Main meanings: 'to hang' objects and 'to make a phone call'.
- Key idiomatic uses include causing trouble (迷惑を掛ける) and worry (心配を掛ける).
- Context is crucial to distinguish between its various meanings.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize your room. Hang a picture on the wall (掛ける). Then, imagine your phone ringing, and you pick it up to make a call (掛ける). Associate the action with the verb.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for '電話を掛ける' when people talk about calling someone. Also, notice when people mention hanging decorations or coats, they'll likely use 掛ける.
Cultural Insight
The phrase 迷惑を掛ける (meiwaku o kakeru) is vital. Being mindful of not causing trouble is a key aspect of Japanese social harmony.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember the te-form 掛けて (kakete). It's used for continuous actions (掛けている - is hanging/is on the phone) and linking sentences (e.g., 'I called and then...').
Beispiel
壁に絵を掛けました。
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