Explanation at your level:
Hello! The word 敷く (fuku) is a verb. It means to put something flat on a surface. Like when you put a blanket on your bed. You can also put a mat on the floor. So, 敷く is about spreading something out. For example, you can 敷く a towel on the beach. Or you can 敷く a tablecloth on a table before eating. It's a simple action word!
The Japanese verb 敷く (fuku) means to lay or spread something out on a surface. It's used when you place items like carpets, mats, sheets, or bedding. For instance, you might 敷く a rug in the living room to make it look nice. Or, when you sleep over at a friend's house, you might help them 敷く the futon (Japanese bedding).
Common phrases include 布団を敷く (futon o shiku - to lay out bedding) and シートを敷く (shiito o shiku - to lay down a sheet). It's a very practical verb for everyday actions related to preparing spaces.
敷く (fuku) is a versatile Japanese verb meaning to lay, spread, or pave something over a surface. It's frequently used in contexts involving home furnishings, bedding, or ground preparation. For example, one might カーペットを敷く (kaapetto o shiku) - to lay a carpet, or テーブルクロスを敷く (teeburu kurosu o shiku) - to spread a tablecloth.
Beyond household items, it can also refer to laying down infrastructure, like 道路を敷く (douro o shiku) - to build or pave a road. Understanding 敷く is key for describing actions related to covering areas, whether for comfort, aesthetics, or utility.
The verb 敷く (fuku) denotes the action of spreading or laying something out over a surface, often implying preparation or coverage. Its usage extends from domestic settings, such as ラグを敷く (ragu o shiku - to lay a rug) or 布団を敷く (futon o shiku - to prepare bedding), to more infrastructural contexts like 線路を敷く (senro o shiku - to lay railway tracks). The nuance often lies in the deliberate placement of an item to cover a specific area.
It's important to note the distinction between simply placing an object and actively spreading or laying it out. 敷く emphasizes the process of covering. While generally neutral, its context can imply anything from simple domestic chores to significant construction projects.
敷く (fuku) is a verb signifying the act of spreading, laying, or paving something over a surface. Its semantic range encompasses tangible actions like シートを敷く (shiito o shiku - to lay down a sheet) or 畳を敷く (tatami o shiku - to lay tatami mats), and extends to more abstract or large-scale applications such as 政策を敷く (seisaku o shiku - to implement policies) or 戦略を敷く (senryaku o shiku - to devise a strategy), where it implies establishing a framework or foundation.
The verb carries connotations of preparation, coverage, and establishment. In domestic contexts, it relates to creating comfort or order. In broader contexts, it can signify the foundational work for systems, plans, or infrastructure. Mastery involves recognizing its literal and figurative applications and the underlying sense of creating a base or covering.
The verb 敷く (fuku), rooted in the concept of spreading or laying out, possesses a rich semantic depth that extends beyond its literal applications. While its primary meaning involves the physical act of covering a surface—as in 床暖房を敷く (shokudanbou o shiku - to install underfloor heating) or 芝生を敷く (shibafu o shiku - to lay turf)—it also functions metaphorically to denote the establishment of abstract structures or systems. Examples include 秩序を敷く (chitsujo o shiku - to establish order) or 教義を敷く (kyougi o shiku - to lay down doctrine).
Historically, the kanji 敷 itself relates to spreading and laying out foundations. This historical resonance informs its usage in phrases implying the creation of a base upon which subsequent actions or structures are built. Understanding 敷 requires appreciating this duality: the concrete act of covering and the abstract act of establishing a framework or principle. Its nuanced usage can be found in literature, political discourse, and philosophical texts, reflecting its capacity to describe both physical and conceptual groundwork.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Verb meaning to lay or spread something flat on a surface.
- Commonly used for carpets, bedding, mats, and tablecloths.
- Can also be used figuratively for implementing policies or strategies.
- Essential for describing everyday actions related to preparing spaces.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese verb 敷く (fuku). It's a super useful word that means to spread something out or lay it down on a surface. Think about spreading a blanket on your bed, laying down a rug on the floor, or even putting a tablecloth on a table. That's exactly what 敷く is all about!
The core idea behind 敷く is covering an area with something flat. It implies a deliberate action of placing an object to cover a space, often for comfort, decoration, or practicality. We use it in many everyday situations, so understanding it will really boost your Japanese!
Imagine you're redecorating your room. You might 敷く a new carpet to make it cozy, or maybe 敷く a tatami mat for a traditional feel. It’s all about preparing a surface by laying something down on it. Pretty neat, right?
The verb 敷く (fuku) has a long history, stemming from ancient Japanese. Its kanji character 敷 itself is quite old and has roots in Chinese characters. The character 敷 originally depicted spreading or laying something out, much like how one might spread out a mat or a piece of fabric.
Over centuries, the meaning has remained remarkably consistent. It's always been associated with the act of covering a surface. In older Japanese texts, you might find 敷 used in contexts describing the laying of foundations for buildings or spreading out bedding. This shows its fundamental meaning has been about preparing or covering a space.
Interestingly, the character 敷 is also used in other words, like 施設 (shisetsu), meaning facility or institution, which often involves structures built or laid out over an area. While the direct verb 敷く is common in daily life, its kanji's presence in other words highlights its core concept of 'laying out' or 'spreading'. It's a testament to how foundational meanings can persist through language evolution!
So, when do we use 敷く? It's perfect for actions where you're laying something flat over an area. The most common partners for 敷く are nouns referring to things you spread out. Think of カーペットを敷く (kaapetto o shiku) - to lay a carpet, or 布団を敷く (futon o shiku) - to lay out bedding.
You'll also hear it with things like シートを敷く (shiito o shiku) - to lay down a sheet (like a plastic sheet or bed sheet), or マットを敷く (matto o shiku) - to lay down a mat. Even things like 道路を敷く (douro o shiku) - to build or pave a road, use this verb, as a road is essentially laid out over the ground.
In terms of formality, 敷く is a pretty neutral verb. You can use it in casual conversations with friends, like telling them you need to リビングにラグを敷く (ribingu ni ragu o shiku) - lay a rug in the living room. It's also perfectly fine in more formal settings, like discussing interior design or construction plans. Just remember, it's about the *action* of laying something down flat!
While 敷く is a straightforward verb, it appears in some expressions that add a bit of color to the language. These often extend the core meaning of 'laying down' or 'establishing' into more abstract concepts.
One common phrase is 床を敷く (yuka o shiku), which literally means 'to lay the floor'. However, it can sometimes be used metaphorically to mean 'to pave the way' or 'to prepare the ground' for something, though this is less common than the literal meaning.
Another related idea, though not a direct idiom, is the concept of 敷居が高い (shikii ga takai). This literally translates to 'the threshold is high'. It refers to a place or situation that is intimidating or difficult to approach, often because of social status or formality. While it uses the kanji 敷, it's a set phrase with a distinct figurative meaning.
You might also encounter phrases like 敷地 (shikichi), meaning 'site' or 'premises', referring to the land on which something is built. Though not an idiom, it shows the character 敷's connection to the idea of prepared or designated ground.
The verb 敷く (fuku) is a Group 1 (u-verb) verb in Japanese. This means its conjugation follows a specific pattern. For example, its polite form is 敷きます (shikimasu), and its past tense is 敷いた (shiita).
Pronunciation-wise, it's a simple, single-syllable word: 'fu-ku'. The 'fu' sound is similar to the English 'foo', and 'ku' is like the 'coo' in 'cool'. There isn't much room for error here, making it relatively easy to pronounce correctly. The stress is generally even across the syllable.
In terms of grammar, 敷く typically takes a direct object marked by the particle 'を' (o). So, you'll always say something like 'Noun + を + 敷く'. For instance, シーツを敷く (shiitsu o shiku - to lay a sheet). It doesn't usually form compound verbs easily, sticking to its core meaning of laying something down.
Fun Fact
The character 敷 is composed of '攵' (a variant of '步' meaning step/walk) and '甫' (meaning grain/field), suggesting the act of walking across and spreading something over a field or area.
Pronunciation Guide
The 'fu' sound is unaspirated, similar to the 'f' in 'few' but softer. The 'ku' sound is like the 'coo' in 'cool'.
Similar to UK pronunciation, with a soft, unaspirated 'fu' and a clear 'ku'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'fu' too strongly like English 'foo'.
- Adding an extra vowel sound after 'ku', making it sound like 'koo-oo'.
- Incorrectly stressing the second syllable (though stress is fairly even).
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in basic contexts, figurative uses require higher level.
Straightforward for literal uses, figurative requires careful consideration.
Easy to use in daily conversation.
Commonly heard in various contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Group 1)
敷く -> 敷きます (polite), 敷いた (past)
Particles: Direct Object (を)
カーペットを敷く
Passive Voice
カーペットが敷かれている (The carpet is laid)
Potential Form
敷ける (fukeru - can lay)
Examples by Level
ベッドにシーツを敷く。
bed on sheet lay. (I) lay a sheet on the bed.
The particle 'に' (ni) indicates the location where the action happens.
床にマットを敷く。
floor on mat lay. (I) lay a mat on the floor.
'を' (o) marks the direct object, the thing being laid down.
テーブルに布を敷く。
table on cloth lay. (I) lay a cloth on the table.
The verb 敷く is in its plain form here.
公園にレジャーシートを敷く。
park on leisure sheet lay. (We) lay a picnic sheet in the park.
This is a common phrase for outdoor activities.
布団を敷く。
futon lay. (I) lay out the futon.
This refers to preparing bedding.
カーペットを敷く。
carpet lay. (I) lay a carpet.
This is a common action when decorating a room.
窓にカーテンを敷く。
window on curtain lay. (I) hang curtains on the window.
While 'lay' is the literal translation, here it means to put up.
新しい畳を敷く。
new tatami lay. (We) lay new tatami mats.
Tatami mats are traditional floor coverings.
リビングに新しいラグを敷きました。
living room in new rug laid. I laid a new rug in the living room.
The past tense polite form '敷きました' (shikimashita) is used.
寝る前に布団を敷く必要があります。
sleep before futon lay need. Before sleeping, (I) need to lay out the futon.
'必要があります' (hitsuyou ga arimasu) means 'it is necessary to'.
ピクニックのためにレジャーシートを敷きましょう。
picnic for leisure sheet lay let's. Let's lay out a picnic sheet for the picnic.
'～ましょう' (mashou) is the volitional form, suggesting 'let's'.
床が冷たいので、マットを敷きました。
floor cold because, mat laid. Because the floor is cold, I laid down a mat.
The conjunction 'ので' (node) indicates a reason.
この部屋にはカーペットを敷く予定です。
this room in carpet lay plan is. I plan to lay a carpet in this room.
'予定です' (yotei desu) means 'plan to'.
テーブルの上にランチョンマットを敷いてください。
table on top of placemat lay please. Please lay placemats on the table.
'～てください' (te kudasai) is a polite request.
雨が降ってきたので、傘を敷くのは無理だ。
rain started falling because, umbrella lay is impossible. Because it started raining, it's impossible to lay out an umbrella (meaning: it's useless).
This is a humorous, slightly metaphorical use, not standard.
運動会のためにグラウンドにシートを敷いた。
sports day for ground on sheet laid. For the sports day, (we) laid sheets on the ground.
This implies preparing the ground for an event.
新しい家を建てるので、まず土地に基礎を敷く作業から始めます。
new house build because, first land on foundation lay work from start. Because we are building a new house, we will first start the work of laying the foundation on the land.
Here, '敷く' refers to laying the groundwork or foundation.
この伝統的な日本家屋では、各部屋に畳が敷かれています。
this traditional Japanese house in, each room in tatami laid are. In this traditional Japanese house, tatami mats are laid in each room.
Passive voice '敷かれています' (shikarete imasu) is used.
冬場は床暖房を敷くと、部屋全体が暖かくなります。
winter season in floor heating lay if, room whole body becomes warm. If you install underfloor heating in winter, the whole room becomes warm.
'～と' (to) indicates a general consequence or result.
会議の準備として、会場に長机をいくつか敷き詰めた。
meeting preparation as, venue in long tables several laid out. As preparation for the meeting, several long tables were laid out in the venue.
'敷き詰める' (shikitsumeru) means to cover completely.
子供たちが安全に遊べるように、公園の地面にゴムマットを敷いた。
children safely play able to, park's ground on rubber mats laid. To allow children to play safely, rubber mats were laid on the park ground.
The phrase '～ように' (you ni) indicates purpose.
この地域では、新しい鉄道の線路を敷く工事が進められています。
this region in, new railway tracks lay construction is being advanced. In this region, construction to lay new railway tracks is underway.
This refers to laying infrastructure.
緊急避難のために、体育館に毛布を敷いて寝床を用意した。
emergency evacuation for, gymnasium in blankets laid sleeping places prepared. For emergency evacuation, sleeping arrangements were prepared by laying out blankets in the gymnasium.
This describes preparing temporary shelter.
レストランでは、お客様が快適に食事できるよう、テーブルごとにランチョンマットを敷いている。
restaurant in, customers comfortably dine able to, table per placemat laying. In the restaurant, placemats are laid out per table so that customers can dine comfortably.
This highlights a detail of service and comfort.
都市計画の一環として、新しい地下鉄の路線を敷設する計画が進行中です。
city planning of part as, new subway lines lay plan is in progress. As part of urban planning, a plan to lay new subway lines is currently underway.
'敷設する' (fusetsu suru) is a more formal term for laying infrastructure like pipes or cables.
この古い寺院の廊下には、何世紀にもわたって磨かれた木の床が敷かれている。
this old temple's corridors in, several centuries over polished wooden floor is laid. In the corridors of this old temple, polished wooden floors have been laid over many centuries.
This emphasizes the historical aspect and the permanence of the flooring.
現代アートのインスタレーションでは、空間全体に白い布を敷き詰め、鑑賞者に独特の体験を提供している。
contemporary art installation in, space entire on white cloth cover completely, viewers unique experience offering. In the contemporary art installation, white fabric is spread across the entire space, offering viewers a unique experience.
'敷き詰める' (shikitsumeru) implies covering an area completely, often for artistic effect.
政府は、経済再生のため、大胆な財政政策を敷くことを決定した。
government in order to economic recovery, bold fiscal policies lay decide did. The government decided to implement bold fiscal policies for economic recovery.
This is a figurative use, meaning to establish or implement policies.
キャンプ場では、テントの下に防水シートを敷くことで、地面からの湿気を防ぐことができる。
campsite in, tent under waterproof sheet lay by, ground from moisture prevent can. At the campsite, by laying a waterproof sheet under the tent, moisture from the ground can be prevented.
This highlights the practical function of preventing moisture.
その指揮者は、オーケストラ全体に統一感のある演奏を敷き、聴衆を魅了した。
that conductor, orchestra entire on sense of unity performance lay, audience captivated. That conductor captivated the audience by laying down a performance with a sense of unity throughout the orchestra.
Figurative use: 'laying down' a performance implies establishing its character and quality.
この地域は地質学的に不安定なため、建物を建てる際には特別な基礎工事を敷く必要がある。
this region geologically unstable because, buildings build when special foundation work lay is necessary. Because this region is geologically unstable, it is necessary to lay special foundation work when constructing buildings.
Emphasizes the necessity of specific groundwork due to environmental factors.
新しいビジネスモデルを成功させるためには、まず市場のニーズを正確に把握し、周到な計画を敷くことが肝要だ。
new business model succeed achieve for, first market's needs accurately grasp, thorough plan lay is essential. To succeed with a new business model, it is essential to first accurately grasp market needs and lay down a thorough plan.
Figurative use: 'laying down a plan' implies establishing a solid foundation for action.
その独裁者は、恐怖による支配体制を強固に敷き、国民の自由を奪った。
that dictator, by fear rule system firmly laid, citizens' freedom took away. That dictator firmly established a system of rule by fear, taking away citizens' freedom.
Figurative: '敷く' implies establishing and enforcing a system, often with negative connotations.
この歴史的建造物の床には、当時の技術の粋を集めた精巧な寄木細工が敷かれている。
this historical building's floors in, period's technology essence gathered elaborate parquetry laid. In the floors of this historical building, elaborate parquetry, embodying the essence of the technology of that era, is laid.
Highlights the craftsmanship and historical significance of the flooring.
彼の講演は、聴衆の知的好奇心を刺激するような、思慮深い論理構成を敷いていた。
his lecture, audience's intellectual curiosity stimulate like, thoughtful logical structure laid. His lecture laid out a thoughtful logical structure, stimulating the audience's intellectual curiosity.
Figurative: 'laying out a structure' refers to the construction of an argument or idea.
環境保護のため、国立公園内では開発行為を厳しく制限する規制が敷かれている。
environmental protection for, national park within development activities strictly limit regulations laid. For environmental protection, regulations strictly limiting development activities are imposed within the national park.
Implies the establishment and enforcement of rules or regulations.
その芸術家は、キャンバス全体に絵の具を塗りたくって、重厚なテクスチャーを敷き出すことで、独特の表現を追求した。
that artist, canvas entire on paint spread thickly, heavy texture lay out by, unique expression pursued. That artist pursued a unique form of expression by thickly spreading paint across the entire canvas and creating a heavy texture.
Here, '敷き出す' (shikidasu) suggests bringing forth or creating a texture through application.
国際社会は、紛争地域における人道支援のための新たな枠組みを敷くことを模索している。
international community, conflict zone in humanitarian aid for new framework lay is seeking. The international community is seeking to lay down a new framework for humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
Figurative: Establishing a new framework or system for international cooperation.
この古代都市の遺跡からは、高度な都市計画とインフラ整備の思想が敷かれていたことがうかがえる。
this ancient city's ruins from, advanced urban planning and infrastructure development's ideology laid was evident. From the ruins of this ancient city, it is evident that advanced urban planning and infrastructure development principles were laid down.
Implies the foundational principles and planning that underpinned the city's existence.
彼の哲学は、人間中心主義という前提の上に、徹底した合理性を敷くことで独自の体系を築き上げた。
his philosophy, anthropocentrism as premise on top of, thorough rationality lay by unique system built up. His philosophy built a unique system by laying down thorough rationality on top of the premise of anthropocentrism.
Figurative: Establishing a system of thought based on a fundamental premise.
その劇作家は、登場人物たちの心理描写に緻密な脚本を敷き、観客を物語の深淵へと誘った。
that playwright, characters' psychological depiction in meticulous script laid, audience story's abyss towards invited. The playwright laid down a meticulous script in the psychological depiction of the characters, inviting the audience into the abyss of the story.
Figurative: 'Laying down a script' implies constructing a detailed and foundational narrative structure.
この地域の古代文明では、灌漑用水路網を巧みに敷設することで、乾燥地帯での農業を可能にしていた。
this region's ancient civilization in, irrigation canal network skillfully laid by, arid regions in agriculture made possible. In this region's ancient civilization, agriculture in arid areas was made possible by skillfully laying out an irrigation canal network.
Highlights the advanced engineering and foundational infrastructure of a past civilization.
彼の音楽理論は、既存の和声学の枠組みを大胆に拡張し、全く新しい音響空間を敷き出すものであった。
his music theory, existing harmony theory's framework boldly expanded, completely new acoustic space lay out was. His music theory boldly expanded the framework of existing harmony theory, laying out a completely new acoustic space.
Figurative: '敷き出す' (shikidasu) suggests creating or revealing a new realm of possibilities through theoretical innovation.
その哲学者によれば、真理への道は、懐疑主義という徹底した批判精神を土台に敷くことから始まる。
that philosopher according to, truth towards path, skepticism called thorough critical spirit foundation lay from begins. According to that philosopher, the path to truth begins by laying down a thorough spirit of critical inquiry, termed skepticism, as a foundation.
Figurative: Establishing a fundamental approach or methodology based on a core principle.
この博物館の展示は、単なる歴史的事実の羅列に留まらず、時代背景を詳細に敷き詰めることで、当時の人々の生活を克明に再現している。
this museum's exhibition, mere historical facts' listing not limited to, period background detailed spread out by, that time's people's lives vividly recreating. This museum's exhibition is not limited to a mere listing of historical facts; by meticulously laying out the historical context, it vividly recreates the lives of people from that era.
'敷き詰める' (shikitsumeru) here implies creating a rich, comprehensive environment or context.
その小説家は、登場人物たちの複雑な人間関係を丹念に描き出し、読者が共感せずにはいられないような感情の地層を敷いていった。
that novelist, characters' complex human relationships meticulously depicted, readers empathize not cannot such emotional strata laid. The novelist meticulously depicted the complex relationships of the characters, laying down strata of emotion that readers could not help but empathize with.
Figurative: 'Laying down strata of emotion' suggests building up deep emotional resonance within the narrative.
この地域における古代の治水技術は、高度な水理学に基づいた巧妙な水路網を敷設したことで、長期にわたる安定した農業基盤を確立していた。
this region in ancient flood control technology, advanced hydraulics based on clever canal network laid by, long-term stable agricultural foundation established. The ancient flood control technology in this region had established a stable agricultural foundation over the long term by laying out a clever canal network based on advanced hydraulics.
Emphasizes the foundational role of infrastructure in enabling societal development.
彼の芸術論は、美学の伝統的な概念を解体し、新たな知覚体験を敷き出すための実験的なアプローチを提唱した。
his art theory, aesthetics traditional concepts dismantled, new perceptual experience lay out for experimental approach proposed. His art theory dismantled traditional concepts of aesthetics and proposed an experimental approach to lay out new perceptual experiences.
Figurative: '敷き出す' (shikidasu) suggests creating or revealing new possibilities or experiences.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"敷居が高い (shikii ga takai)"
A place or situation that is intimidating or difficult to approach due to social status, formality, or expense.
その高級レストランは敷居が高くて、なかなか行けない。
neutral"床を敷く (yuka o shiku)"
Literally 'to lay the floor', can sometimes metaphorically mean 'to pave the way' or 'prepare the ground'.
新しいプロジェクトの成功のために、我々は周到な準備という床を敷いた。
formal/literary"敷地を定める (shikichi o sadameru)"
To designate or establish a site or premises.
新しい学校の建設のために、広大な敷地を定めた。
formalEasily Confused
Both involve making something occupy a larger area.
広げる means to spread something out wider or expand it (e.g., a map, arms). 敷く means to lay something flat *onto* a surface (e.g., a carpet, bedding).
地図を広げる (hirogeru a map) vs. カーペットを敷く (fuku a carpet).
Both can be used for covering surfaces.
張る is for stretching something taut or stringing it up (e.g., a tent, a net, a fishing line). 敷く is for laying something down flat and soft (e.g., bedding, a rug).
テントを張る (haru a tent) vs. 布団を敷く (fuku futon).
Both involve placing something.
置く is the general verb 'to place' or 'put' something down. 敷く specifically implies laying it flat to cover a surface.
本を机に置く (oku a book on the desk) vs. テーブルクロスを敷く (fuku a tablecloth on the table).
Sometimes used for hanging items.
掛ける is the primary verb for hanging things like curtains (カーテンを掛ける), pictures, or phones. While 敷く can occasionally be used colloquially for curtains, 掛ける is more standard.
カーテンを掛ける (kakeru curtains) vs. シーツを敷く (fuku a sheet).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 敷く
新しいラグを敷く。
Noun + に + Noun + を + 敷く
床にマットを敷く。
Noun + を + 敷き詰める
部屋全体にカーペットを敷き詰める。
Figurative: Noun (policy/strategy) + を + 敷く
厳しい規則を敷く。
Noun + を + 敷き出す
キャンバスに絵の具を敷き出す。
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Verwandt
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
広げる is for spreading something out wider or expanding, while 敷く is specifically for laying something flat on a surface.
張る is for stretching something taut like a tent or net. 敷く is for laying down soft items like bedding.
While 敷く can sometimes be used for hanging things like curtains, 掛ける is the more standard and common verb for this action.
The figurative use of 'laying down policies' or 'strategies' is common in formal contexts, but should not be used for literal actions like laying a mat.
You don't '敷く' a cup; you '置く' (oku - to place) it. 敷く implies covering a surface.
Tips
Sound Association
Remember 'FUKU' sounds like 'foo-coo'. Imagine you're saying 'foo, coo!' as you lay down a cool blue blanket (fuku-blue).
Think 'Surface Coverage'
Whenever you're describing the action of covering a surface with something flat (like a rug, sheet, or even a road), 敷く is likely the verb you need.
Bedding Etiquette
In Japan, laying out your futon (布団を敷く - futon o shiku) is a daily ritual. Understanding this helps grasp the practical use of the verb.
Object Particle 'を'
Remember that 敷く usually takes a direct object marked by the particle 'を' (o). So, it's always 'thing + を + 敷く'.
Soft 'Fu'
The 'fu' sound in 敷く is softer and less aspirated than the English 'f'. Try to make it breathy rather than a hard puff of air.
Don't 'Spread' When You Mean 'Lay'
Avoid using 広げる (hirogeru - to spread wider) when you mean to lay something flat like a carpet. Stick to 敷く for that specific action.
Ancient Foundations
The character 敷 has roots in depicting the act of spreading something across a field, highlighting its long history related to covering ground and establishing foundations.
Visual Flashcards
Create flashcards with a picture of the action (e.g., someone laying a rug) on one side and 敷く on the other. This visual link aids memory.
Figurative vs. Literal
Be aware of the context. While 敷く literally means to lay something down, in formal settings it can mean to establish policies or strategies. Don't mix these up!
Compound Verbs
Look out for related verbs like 敷き詰める (shikitsumeru - to cover completely) and 敷き出す (shikidasu - to bring forth by laying), which add nuance to the basic meaning.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine 'FUKU' sounds like 'foo-coo'. Picture yourself saying 'foo, coo!' as you lay down a cool, blue blanket (fuku-blue).
Visual Association
Picture someone spreading out a large, flat object like a carpet or a picnic sheet.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try describing 5 things you have laid out or spread out today using 敷く.
Wortherkunft
Japanese
Original meaning: The character 敷 originally depicted spreading or laying something out, like a mat.
Kultureller Kontext
No particular cultural sensitivity associated with the verb itself, but the context of its use (e.g., preparing for guests, religious spaces) can carry cultural weight.
In English-speaking cultures, the concept of 'laying down' is common for items like carpets, sheets, and foundations. The Japanese verb 敷く captures this action efficiently.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At home (preparing rooms)
- カーペットを敷く
- 布団を敷く
- テーブルクロスを敷く
Outdoor activities
- レジャーシートを敷く
- テントを張る (related, but uses 張る)
Construction/Infrastructure
- 道路を敷く
- 線路を敷く
- ケーブルを敷設する
Formal/Abstract situations
- 政策を敷く
- 規則を敷く
- 計画を敷く
Conversation Starters
"What did you 敷く today?"
"Do you prefer carpets or wooden floors? Why?"
"What's the most interesting thing you've seen laid out recently?"
"If you could 敷く anything in your room right now, what would it be?"
"Have you ever had to 敷く bedding somewhere unusual?"
Journal Prompts
Describe the process of preparing your bed for sleep using 敷く.
Write about a time you laid down a mat or rug. Use 敷く.
Imagine you are building a new house. What would you need to 敷く first?
Think about a policy or rule you follow. How could you describe establishing it using a figurative sense of 敷く?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 Fragen敷く (fuku) specifically means to lay or spread something flat *onto a surface*, like a carpet or mat. 広げる (hirogeru) means to spread something out *wider* or to expand it, like spreading out a map or opening your arms.
While it can sometimes be used colloquially, the more standard and common verb for hanging curtains is 掛ける (kakeru). For example, カーテンを掛ける (kaaten o kakeru).
敷居が高い (shikii ga takai) literally means 'the threshold is high'. It's an idiom used to describe a place or situation that feels intimidating or difficult to approach, often due to social status, expense, or formality.
Yes, 道路を敷く (douro o shiku) is used to mean 'to build' or 'pave' a road, as a road is essentially laid out over the ground.
You can 敷く many things that are laid flat, such as carpets (カーペット), mats (マット), sheets (シーツ), bedding (布団), tablecloths (テーブルクロス), and even things like roads (道路) or railway tracks (線路).
Yes, it does. In formal contexts, it can mean to establish or implement something abstract, like policies (政策を敷く - seisaku o shiku) or strategies (戦略を敷く - senryaku o shiku).
敷く is a Group 1 (u-verb). Its polite form is 敷きます (shikimasu), past tense is 敷いた (shiita), and the te-form is 敷いて (shiite).
敷く is the general verb for laying or spreading things. 敷設する (fusetsu suru) is a more formal term specifically used for laying down infrastructure like pipes, cables, or railway tracks.
Teste dich selbst
ベッドにシーツを ____。
We use 敷く (fuku) to mean 'lay' or 'spread out', like laying a sheet on a bed.
Which sentence correctly uses 敷く?
レジャーシート (leisure sheet) is something you spread out in a park, so 敷く is the correct verb.
布団を敷く means to fold futon.
布団を敷く means to lay out or prepare the futon for sleeping, not to fold it.
Word
Bedeutung
These pairs show common collocations of the verb 敷く.
The correct sentence order is: 部屋に (ni) 新しい (atarashii) カーペットを (o) 敷きました (shikimashita).
政府は経済を活性化させるために、新しい政策を ____。
In this figurative sense, 'to implement policies' uses 敷く (fuku).
Which phrase best describes laying down infrastructure like pipes or tracks?
While 線路を敷く is common, the more formal and specific term for laying infrastructure is often 敷設する (fusetsu suru), but among the choices, 線路を敷く is the most appropriate for this context.
The idiom 敷居が高い (shikii ga takai) refers to a place that is easy to enter.
敷居が高い means a place is intimidating or difficult to approach, the opposite of easy to enter.
ピクニックのために、公園にレジャーシートを ____。
We use 敷く (fuku) to spread out a sheet for a picnic.
Example: 寝る前に布団を敷きました。(I laid out the futon before sleeping.)
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
Master 敷く to confidently describe the act of covering surfaces, from laying a rug to establishing foundational plans.
- Verb meaning to lay or spread something flat on a surface.
- Commonly used for carpets, bedding, mats, and tablecloths.
- Can also be used figuratively for implementing policies or strategies.
- Essential for describing everyday actions related to preparing spaces.
Sound Association
Remember 'FUKU' sounds like 'foo-coo'. Imagine you're saying 'foo, coo!' as you lay down a cool blue blanket (fuku-blue).
Think 'Surface Coverage'
Whenever you're describing the action of covering a surface with something flat (like a rug, sheet, or even a road), 敷く is likely the verb you need.
Bedding Etiquette
In Japan, laying out your futon (布団を敷く - futon o shiku) is a daily ritual. Understanding this helps grasp the practical use of the verb.
Object Particle 'を'
Remember that 敷く usually takes a direct object marked by the particle 'を' (o). So, it's always 'thing + を + 敷く'.
Beispiel
部屋に新しい絨毯を敷いた。
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