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A2 noun 10 Min. Lesezeit

～具

-gu

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At the A1 level, you should focus on 'gu' as it appears in very common compound words. The most important one is 'dougu' (道具), which means 'tool'. You might use this when talking about your hobbies or daily activities. Another essential word is 'kagu' (家具), which means 'furniture'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the kanji or complex grammar; just recognize that when you see 'gu' at the end of these words, it's referring to a physical object used for a purpose. You might also hear 'gu' when someone talks about what's inside their miso soup or rice ball. It's a simple way to ask, 'What's in this?' (Gu wa nani?).

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At the A2 level, you begin to see the pattern of 'noun + gu'. You should learn words like 'bunbougu' (stationery), 'amagu' (rain gear), and 'enogu' (paints). You can use these to be more specific in your conversations. For example, instead of saying 'I need things for school', you can say 'Bunbougu ga hitsuyou desu'. You also start to use 'gu' as a standalone noun more confidently when talking about food. You can describe a soup as 'gu-dakusan' (full of ingredients), which is a very natural and common expression. You should also understand that 'gu' usually refers to concrete, physical items.

By B1, you should understand the distinction between 'gu' and 'zairyou' (ingredients/materials). You use 'gu' for the contents of a dish and 'zairyou' for the items on a shopping list or raw materials. You will also encounter 'gu' in more specialized compounds like 'shingu' (bedding) or 'tsurigu' (fishing gear). You can use 'gu' to describe the 'means' to do something in a more formal context, though this is still rare in daily speech. Your ability to categorize items using 'gu' helps you navigate Japanese stores (like the 'Kagu-uriba' or furniture department) more effectively.

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At the B2 level, you can use 'gu' in more abstract or technical ways. You might encounter terms like 'kyougu' (teaching aids) or 'kougu' (industrial tools). You understand that 'gu' implies a level of preparation or 'being equipped'. You can also use the word 'gu' in discussions about traditional Japanese culture, such as 'sadougu' (tea ceremony utensils). You are comfortable with the various ways 'gu' appears in compound nouns and can often guess the meaning of a new 'X-gu' word based on the first noun. You also recognize the nuance that 'gu' usually refers to the functional aspect of an object.

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At the C1 level, you explore the historical and literary uses of 'gu'. You might read about 'bugu' (armor/weapons) in a historical novel or 'hōgu' (Buddhist ritual implements) in a text about religion. You understand the deeper meaning of the kanji, which implies 'to possess' or 'to be complete'. You can use 'gu' in formal writing to describe the 'necessary attributes' or 'components' of a system. You also have a nuanced understanding of synonyms like 'bihin', 'youhin', and 'setsubi', and you can choose the most appropriate word based on the level of formality and the specific context.

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At the C2 level, 'gu' is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal. You can use it with precision in academic, technical, or poetic contexts. You understand its role in classical Japanese and how it has evolved into modern compounds. You can discuss the etymology of the kanji and its relationship to other characters. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, whether you are discussing the 'ingredients' of a complex social issue or the specific 'tools' required for a highly specialized scientific experiment. You also appreciate the subtle cultural weight the word carries in various traditional Japanese arts.

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～具 in 30 Sekunden

Means tool, equipment, or food ingredients.
Commonly used as a suffix in words like kagu (furniture) and dougu (tools).
Refers to the solid 'bits' in soup or fillings in rice balls.
Essential for identifying specific types of gear (rain gear, gym gear).

The Japanese character 具 (ぐ - gu) is a versatile and essential building block in the Japanese language, primarily functioning as a suffix or a noun that denotes a tool, implement, equipment, or ingredient. At its core, the kanji depicts hands holding a vessel, suggesting the preparation or provision of necessary items for a specific purpose. For English speakers, understanding 'gu' is like unlocking a master key to dozens of common words related to daily life, hobbies, and professional tasks.

Functional Suffix: When attached to another noun, it categorizes that item as a specific type of equipment. For example, 'bunbougu' (文房具) combines 'writing/study' (bunbou) with 'tool' (gu) to mean stationery.
Culinary Context: In the world of Japanese cuisine, 'gu' refers to the solid ingredients found in soups like miso soup or ramen, or the fillings inside onigiri (rice balls).
Abstract Utility: In more advanced contexts, it can imply having the 'means' or 'attributes' to fulfill a role, though this is less common at the A2 level.

このスープは具がたくさん入っています。 (Kono suupu wa gu ga takusan haitte imasu.) - This soup has a lot of ingredients in it.

You will encounter 'gu' most frequently in compound words. If you go to a hardware store (ホームセンター), you are surrounded by 'dougu' (道具 - tools). If you go to a furniture store, you are looking at 'kagu' (家具). If it starts raining, you look for your 'amagu' (雨具 - rain gear). The beauty of this word lies in its systematic nature; once you know the base noun, adding 'gu' immediately tells you that you are talking about the physical tools or items associated with that category.

新しい家具を買いに行きましょう。 (Atarashii kagu o kai ni ikimashou.) - Let's go buy some new furniture.

Historically, 'gu' has been used for centuries to denote the 'accoutrements' of a profession or status. From the armor of a samurai (bugu - 武具) to the ritual implements of a monk (hōgu - 法具), the word carries a sense of readiness and preparation. In modern daily Japanese, it has become much more mundane but no less vital. Whether you're talking about the 'gu' in your bento box or the 'gu' you use to fix a leaky faucet, the word emphasizes the practical items we use to interact with and shape our world.

料理の道具を片付けてください。 (Ryouri no dougu o katazukete kudasai.) - Please put away the cooking tools.

When you use 'gu' as a standalone noun, it almost exclusively refers to food ingredients. If you say 'Gu ga nai' (具がない) while looking at a bowl of broth, you are complaining that there are no solid bits (meat, vegetables, tofu) to eat. This is a very common expression in casual dining and home cooking. Conversely, 'gu-dakusan' (具だくさん) is a very positive adjective describing a hearty soup or sandwich that is 'full of ingredients'.

おにぎりの具は何がいいですか？ (Onigiri no gu wa nani ga ii desu ka?) - What would you like for the filling of the rice ball?

Using 具 (gu) correctly requires distinguishing between its use as a standalone noun and its use as a suffix. In its suffix form, it usually follows a noun that describes the category of use. For example, bunbou (writing materials) + gu = bunbougu (stationery). In its standalone form, it is treated as a standard noun following the particle rules of Japanese grammar.

As a Subject (ga/wa): Used when identifying the ingredients or tools. 'Gu ga ooi' (There are many ingredients).
As an Object (o): Used when performing an action on the tools or ingredients. 'Dougu o tsukau' (To use a tool).
In Possession (no): Connecting the tool to its owner or purpose. 'Watashi no tsurigu' (My fishing gear).

この店には便利な文房具がたくさんあります。 (Kono mise ni wa benri na bunbougu ga takusan arimasu.) - This store has many convenient stationery items.

When talking about food, 'gu' is often modified by the name of the dish. 'Misoshiru no gu' (Ingredients for miso soup) or 'Pizza no gu' (Pizza toppings). Note that for pizza, while 'topping' is also used, 'gu' is perfectly natural in a home-cooking context. In the case of sandwiches, 'gu' refers to everything between the bread slices.

冷蔵庫にあるもので、サンドイッチの具を作りました。 (Reizouko ni aru mono de, sandoitchi no gu o tsukurimashita.) - I made sandwich fillings using what was in the fridge.

In a work or hobby environment, the compound 'dougu' (道具) is the most common way to use this kanji. It serves as a general term for 'tools'. However, if you want to be specific, you use the 'X + gu' pattern. For example, 'shingu' (寝具) refers to bedding (sleeping tools), and 'amagu' (雨具) refers to rain gear like umbrellas and raincoats. Using these specific terms makes your Japanese sound much more natural and precise than just using 'mono' (thing).

キャンプに行く前に、道具をチェックしましょう。 (Kyanpu ni iku mae ni, dougu o chekku shimashou.) - Let's check the tools/gear before going camping.

Finally, consider the word 'kagu' (家具). While in English 'furniture' is uncountable, in Japanese 'kagu' can refer to a single piece of furniture or the collection as a whole. You would say 'kagu o hitotsu kau' (buy one piece of furniture). This is a key difference to keep in mind for English speakers who are used to 'furniture' being a mass noun.

この家具は組み立てが簡単です。 (Kono kagu wa kumitate ga kantan desu.) - This piece of furniture is easy to assemble.

You will hear 具 (gu) and its compounds in almost every corner of Japanese life. From the kitchen to the classroom, and from the office to the outdoors, this word is ubiquitous. It’s particularly common in retail settings and instructional contexts.

In the Kitchen: Mothers and chefs often talk about 'gu' when preparing meals. 'Gu o kiru' (cut the ingredients) or 'Gu o ireru' (put in the ingredients) are standard phrases.
At Schools: Teachers will ask students to bring their 'bunbougu' (stationery) or 'taiikugu' (gym equipment/PE gear). 'Enogu' (paints) is a staple of art class.
In Stores: Signs in malls will direct you to 'Kagu-uriba' (Furniture department) or 'Bunbougu-corner' (Stationery corner).

「今日の味噌汁、具は何？」「豆腐とわかめだよ。」 ('Kyou no misoshiru, gu wa nani?' 'Toufu to wakame da yo.') - 'What are the ingredients in today's miso soup?' 'It's tofu and seaweed.'

In media, specifically anime and manga, you might hear characters talking about 'dougu'. In the famous series 'Doraemon', the titular robot cat often says 'Dougu o dashite!' (I'll take out a tool!) before revealing a futuristic gadget. Here, 'dougu' takes on a slightly more magical or specialized nuance, but it remains the same fundamental concept of an item used to achieve a goal.

ドラえもんは不思議な道具をたくさん持っています。 (Doraemon wa fushigi na dougu o takusan motte imasu.) - Doraemon has many mysterious gadgets/tools.

In professional settings, 'gu' appears in more technical terms. A carpenter might talk about 'kougu' (工具 - hand tools/power tools), while a physical therapist might mention 'sogu' (装具 - orthotics/braces). Even in the digital age, we see 'gu' in terms like 'kyougu' (教具 - teaching aids), though digital apps are slowly replacing physical ones. However, the concept of the 'implement' remains central to the Japanese way of categorizing the physical objects that help us work and live.

工事現場では、正しい工具を使うことが大切です。 (Kouji genba de wa, tadashii kougu o tsukau koto ga taisetsu desu.) - It is important to use the correct tools at a construction site.

While 具 (gu) is a straightforward concept, learners often make a few specific errors regarding its scope and usage. One of the most common mistakes is using 'gu' to refer to raw ingredients before they are prepared for a specific dish.

Gu vs. Zairyou: 'Zairyou' (材料) refers to raw materials or ingredients in general (like flour, eggs, and sugar on the counter). 'Gu' refers specifically to the solid items *inside* the finished or cooking dish. You wouldn't call flour 'gu', but you would call the chunks of chicken in a stew 'gu'.
Overusing 'Gu' as a Suffix: Not every tool can be called 'X-gu'. For example, you wouldn't say 'kuruma-gu' for car tools; you would use 'kuruma no dougu' or 'maintenance kougu'. It's best to learn the established compounds (kagu, dougu, bunbougu) rather than inventing new ones.
Confusion with 'Mono': Learners often use 'mono' (thing) because it's safer. While 'tabemono' is food, 'tabe-gu' is not a word. Conversely, 'amagu' is specific to rain gear, whereas 'ame no mono' sounds unnatural.

❌ カレーの材料は肉とジャガイモです。 (Correct, but if they are already in the pot, use 'gu'.)
✅ このカレーは具が大きいですね。 (This curry has large chunks of ingredients.)

Another mistake involves the word 'dougu' (道具). In English, 'tool' can sometimes mean a person who is being used by someone else. In Japanese, 'dougu' does not carry this metaphorical insult. Using 'dougu' to call someone a 'pawn' or 'tool' is possible in literature, but it's not a common slang insult like it is in English.

彼は私の道具ではありません。 (Kare wa watashi no dougu de wa arimasen.) - He is not my tool (literally, he is not my piece of equipment).

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. 'Gu' is a short syllable. Do not lengthen it to 'guu' (which sounds like a stomach growling or 'rock' in rock-paper-scissors). Keep it crisp and short. In compounds like 'bunbougu', the 'gu' is often pronounced with a slightly nasal 'ng' sound by some speakers (the 'bidakuon'), but a standard 'g' sound is perfectly acceptable and common for learners.

Japanese has several words that overlap with the meaning of 具 (gu). Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about food, physical tools, or abstract components.

道具 (Dougu) vs. 工具 (Kougu): 'Dougu' is the general term for tools of any kind (cooking, gardening, sports). 'Kougu' specifically refers to engineering or construction tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and saws.
具 (Gu) vs. 材料 (Zairyou): As mentioned, 'Gu' is the contents of a dish, while 'Zairyou' is the raw materials. If you are following a recipe, the list at the top is 'Zairyou'.
備品 (Bihin) vs. 具 (Gu): 'Bihin' refers to equipment or fixtures in an office or facility (like printers, desks, or fire extinguishers). It's more formal and business-oriented than 'gu'.

料理にはたくさんの材料が必要ですが、使う道具は少しだけです。 (Ryouri ni wa takusan no zairyou ga hitsuyou desu ga, tsukau dougu wa sukoshi dake desu.) - Cooking requires many ingredients, but uses only a few tools.

Another interesting comparison is with 用品 (youhin). This suffix also means 'goods' or 'articles' for a certain use. For example, 'keshou-hin' (cosmetics) vs 'taiiku-gu' (gym equipment). 'Youhin' is often used for consumable goods or sets of items, while 'gu' feels more like a singular implement or a sturdy tool. You will see 'sports youhin' (sports goods) more often than 'sports gu'.

この店は日用品が安いです。 (Kono mise wa nichiyouhin ga yasui desu.) - Daily necessities/goods are cheap at this store.

In the context of 'furniture', you might also hear インテリア (interia). While 'kagu' refers to the functional pieces like tables and chairs, 'interia' is a broader term that includes curtains, lighting, and general room design. If you say 'Kagu ga suki', you like furniture. If you say 'Interia ga suki', you like interior design and the overall look of a room.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The bottom part of the kanji 具 looks like 'eyes' (目), but it actually represents a vessel or container on a stand. The top part represents hands.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ɡuː/

US /ɡu/

Flat (Heiban style in many compounds, but can vary). In isolation, it's often low-high.

Reimt sich auf

Ku (区) Su (酢) Tu (都) Fu (負) Mu (無) Ru (留) Yu (湯) Zu (図)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it like 'goo' (too long).
Adding a 'w' sound like 'gwa'.
Confusing it with 'ku'.
Nasalizing it too much in the middle of a sentence.
Pronouncing the compounds with English stress patterns.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The kanji is relatively simple (8 strokes) and taught early in elementary school.

Schreiben 3/5

The internal structure of the kanji can be tricky for beginners to balance.

Sprechen 1/5

The pronunciation 'gu' is very easy for English speakers.

Hören 2/5

It can be missed in fast speech because it's a short syllable.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

もの (thing) 食べ物 (food) 使う (to use) 店 (shop) 中 (inside)

Als Nächstes lernen

材料 (materials) 準備 (preparation) 設備 (facilities) 部品 (parts) 装置 (device)

Fortgeschritten

具現化 (materialization) 具備する (to possess) 具象 (concrete form) 道具主義 (instrumentalism) 不具 (deformity - sensitive word)

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + 具 (Suffix formation)

雨 (Rain) + 具 = 雨具 (Rain gear)

具 as a subject in existence sentences

具がたくさんあります。

Modification with 'no' (の)

カレーの具 (Curry ingredients)

Compound noun as a single unit

家具屋 (Furniture store) - no 'no' needed.

Abstract Adjectival form (~teki)

具体的な (Concrete)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

これはわたしのどうぐです。

This is my tool.

Uses 'dougu' (tool) as a simple noun.

かぐをかいます。

I will buy furniture.

Uses 'kagu' (furniture) with the object particle 'o'.

スープのぐはなんですか？

What are the ingredients in the soup?

Uses 'gu' as a noun for soup ingredients.

えのぐをつかいます。

I use paints.

Uses 'enogu' (paints) as a tool for art.

ぶんぼうぐがありますか？

Is there any stationery?

Uses 'bunbougu' (stationery) in an existence sentence.

おにぎりのぐはさけです。

The filling of the rice ball is salmon.

Uses 'gu' for the filling of food.

このどうぐはべんりです。

This tool is convenient.

Adjective 'benri' modifying the noun 'dougu'.

あまぐをもっていますか？

Do you have rain gear?

Uses 'amagu' (rain gear) as a category.

新しい家具を三つ買いました。

I bought three pieces of new furniture.

Shows 'kagu' is used with counters.

文房具屋さんはどこにありますか？

Where is the stationery store?

Uses 'bunbougu-ya' to mean stationery shop.

この味噌汁は具だくさんで美味しいです。

This miso soup is full of ingredients and delicious.

Introduces the common phrase 'gu-dakusan'.

釣りの道具を準備しています。

I am preparing the fishing gear.

Uses 'dougu' modified by 'tsuri' (fishing).

雨具を忘れないでください。

Please don't forget your rain gear.

Uses 'amagu' as a general term for rain protection.

絵の具で絵を描くのが好きです。

I like drawing pictures with paints.

Uses 'enogu' with the particle 'de' (using).

キャンプの道具は重いです。

The camping gear is heavy.

Uses 'dougu' for a collection of equipment.

サンドイッチの具を切りましょう。

Let's cut the sandwich fillings.

Uses 'gu' for solid food components.

寝具を新しくして、よく眠れるようになりました。

I replaced my bedding and can now sleep well.

Uses 'shingu' (bedding) as a formal term.

彼はその仕事に必要な具えを持っています。

He has the necessary preparations for that job.

Uses the related verb form 'sonae' (preparation).

この料理は具が少ないので、もっと野菜を入れましょう。

This dish has few ingredients, so let's add more vegetables.

Contrasts 'gu' with specific vegetables.

文房具のコーナーは三階にございます。

The stationery section is on the third floor.

Uses polite 'gozaimasu' in a retail context.

古い道具を大切に使う職人は素晴らしいです。

Craftsmen who use old tools with care are wonderful.

Uses 'dougu' in a respectful, professional context.

雨具一式をカバンに入れておきます。

I will keep a set of rain gear in my bag.

Uses 'isshiki' (a set) with 'amagu'.

家具の配置を変えて、部屋を広く見せます。

I will change the furniture layout to make the room look wider.

Uses 'haichi' (arrangement/layout) with 'kagu'.

絵の具が服についてしまいました。

Paint accidentally got on my clothes.

Uses 'tsuite shimau' for an accidental action.

この工場では最新の工具を導入しています。

This factory is introducing the latest tools.

Uses 'kougu' (industrial tools) in a business context.

教具を工夫することで、授業がより分かりやすくなります。

By being creative with teaching aids, lessons become easier to understand.

Uses 'kyougu' (teaching aids) in an educational context.

茶道具は非常に高価なものもあります。

Some tea ceremony utensils are very expensive.

Uses 'sadougu' (tea ceremony utensils) for traditional items.

彼は自分の能力を具現化することに成功した。

He succeeded in materializing/embodying his abilities.

Uses 'gugenhika' (materialization/embodiment) - advanced compound.

避難所には十分な寝具が用意されています。

Sufficient bedding is provided at the evacuation center.

Uses 'shingu' in a formal, public service context.

そのスープの具は地元の野菜にこだわっています。

The ingredients in that soup are specifically local vegetables.

Uses 'kodawaru' (to be particular about) with 'gu'.

家具職人として、一生使えるものを作りたい。

As a furniture maker, I want to create things that can be used for a lifetime.

Uses 'kagu-shokunin' (furniture craftsman).

文房具の機能性が向上しています。

The functionality of stationery is improving.

Uses 'kinousei' (functionality) with 'bunbougu'.

博物館には、戦国時代の武具が展示されている。

The museum displays armor and weapons from the Sengoku period.

Uses 'bugu' (military equipment/armor) in a historical context.

彼の理論は、具体的な証拠に基づいている。

His theory is based on concrete evidence.

Uses 'gutaiteki' (concrete/specific) - a very common abstract term.

仏教の儀式で使われる法具は、荘厳な雰囲気を醸し出す。

The ritual implements used in Buddhist ceremonies create a solemn atmosphere.

Uses 'hōgu' (Buddhist ritual implements).

登山には万全の雨具と装備が不可欠だ。

Perfect rain gear and equipment are indispensable for mountain climbing.

Uses 'banzen' (perfect/flawless) with 'amagu'.

その俳優は、役柄を具現する卓越した技術を持っている。

That actor has outstanding skill in embodying his roles.

Uses 'gugen' (embody/materialize) in an artistic context.

伝統的な家具の修復には、高度な熟練が求められる。

Restoring traditional furniture requires a high level of skill.

Uses 'shuufuku' (restoration) with 'kagu'.

この計画はまだ具備すべき点が多い。

This plan still has many points that need to be equipped/fulfilled.

Uses 'gubi' (to be equipped with/possess) - very formal.

筆記用具の持ち込みは禁止されています。

Bringing in writing utensils is prohibited.

Uses 'hikki-yougu' (writing utensils) - formal term for bunbougu.

その建築家は、機能性と美を具備した空間を創造した。

The architect created a space that possessed both functionality and beauty.

Uses 'gubi' (possess/be equipped with) in an architectural critique.

言葉は思想を伝達するための道具に過ぎない。

Words are merely tools for conveying thoughts.

Uses 'dougu' in a philosophical sense.

古代の祭祀具の出土により、当時の信仰体系が明らかになった。

The excavation of ancient ritual tools clarified the belief system of the time.

Uses 'saishigu' (ritual tools) in an archaeological context.

彼は真理を具現化する存在として描かれている。

He is depicted as an existence that embodies the truth.

Uses 'gugenhika' in a literary or philosophical analysis.

高度な技術を具えた専門家チームが結成された。

A team of experts equipped with advanced technology was formed.

Uses 'sonaeta' (equipped with) in a high-level formal report.

この詩は、孤独の痛みを具象的に表現している。

Uses 'gushouteki' (concrete/figurative) in literary criticism.

道具主義的な教育観には批判も多い。

There is much criticism of the instrumentalist view of education.

Uses 'dougu-shugi' (instrumentalism) - academic terminology.

その作品は、人間のエゴを具に見せつけている。

The work vividly/minutely shows human ego.

Uses 'tsubusa ni' (minutely/vividly) - written with the kanji 具.

Häufige Kollokationen

具だくさん

道具を使う

家具を組み立てる

文房具を集める

雨具を用意する

具を入れる

具体的な例

筆記用具

調理器具

寝具一式

Häufige Phrasen

具は何？

— What are the ingredients/fillings? Used for soup, onigiri, etc.

今日のおにぎり、具は何？

道具を片付ける

— Put away the tools. Very common after work or hobbies.

使った道具は片付けてね。

家具屋

— Furniture store.

家具屋でソファを見る。

文房具屋

— Stationery store.

文房具屋でペンを買う。

具が大きい

— The ingredients are large. Often used to describe home-style curry.

母のカレーは具が大きい。

具体的な計画

— Concrete plan.

具体的な計画を立てよう。

雨具がない

— Don't have rain gear. Usually said when it starts raining unexpectedly.

雨なのに雨具がない！

道具箱

— Toolbox.

道具箱からドライバーを出す。

具材を選ぶ

— To choose ingredients (often at a restaurant like Subway or Hot Pot).

好きな具材を選んでください。

便利な道具

— Convenient tool.

これは本当に便利な道具だ。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

～具 vs 材料 (zairyou)

Zairyou is raw material; Gu is the solid ingredient inside the dish.

～具 vs もの (mono)

Mono is a generic thing; Gu is a functional tool or ingredient.

～具 vs 薬 (kusuri)

Sometimes learners confuse 'paints' (enogu) with 'medicine' (kusuri) due to the 'gu' sound.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"道具にする"

— To use someone or something as a mere tool to achieve a goal.

人を道具にしてはいけない。

neutral

"具にもつかない"

— Worthless, absurd, or nonsensical (literally 'doesn't even stick as an ingredient').

具にもつかない嘘をつく。

informal/literary

"具体的な"

— Concrete, specific. While not an idiom per se, it's the most common abstract use.

もっと具体的に話してください。

neutral

"具現化する"

— To embody or materialize an idea or dream.

理想を具現化する。

formal

"七つ道具"

— One's essential set of tools (traditionally 7, but used generally).

これは私の仕事の七つ道具です。

neutral

"具を抜く"

— To take out the ingredients (sometimes used metaphorically for removing the substance).

スープから具を抜く。

informal

"家具のようだ"

— To be like furniture (someone who is always there but ignored).

彼はクラスの家具のような存在だ。

informal

"道具立て"

— Preparation, setup, or the necessary items for a performance/task.

道具立ては完璧だ。

neutral

"絵の具を溶く"

— To mix/dilute paint. A specific collocation that feels idiomatic.

パレットで絵の具を溶く。

neutral

"具備する"

— To be fully equipped with necessary conditions/qualities.

リーダーの条件を具備している。

formal

Leicht verwechselbar

～具 vs 具 (gu)

Ingredients vs Tools

It's the same word, but context determines if it's food or gear.

スープの具 (food) vs 掃除の道具 (gear)

～具 vs 家具 (kagu)

Countability

English 'furniture' is uncountable; Japanese 'kagu' is countable.

家具を三つ買う (buy three pieces of furniture)

～具 vs 絵の具 (enogu)

Translation

Literally 'picture tool', but always means 'paint'.

赤い絵の具 (red paint)

～具 vs 雨具 (amagu)

Scope

Includes umbrellas, boots, and raincoats, not just one item.

雨具一式 (a full set of rain gear)

～具 vs 道具 (dougu)

Metaphor

In English, 'tool' is an insult; in Japanese, it's rarely used that way.

仕事の道具 (work tool)

Satzmuster

これは[Noun]の具です。

これはおにぎりの具です。

[Noun]具を買います。

文房具を買います。

[Dish]は具だくさんです。

このスープは具だくさんです。

[Activity]の道具を準備する。

キャンプの道具を準備する。

具体的な[Noun]を教えてください。

具体的な理由を教えてください。

[Object]を道具として使う。

スマホを仕事の道具として使う。

[Idea]を具現化する。

夢を具現化するために努力する。

[Noun]を具に観察する。

状況を具に観察する。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

道具 (dougu - tool)

家具 (kagu - furniture)

文房具 (bunbougu - stationery)

雨具 (amagu - rain gear)

絵の具 (enogu - paint)

寝具 (shingu - bedding)

釣具 (tsurigu - fishing tackle)

武具 (bugu - armor/weapons)

Verben

具える (sonaeru - to provide/equip - usually written 備える)

具する (gusuru - to accompany/possess - archaic/formal)

Adjektive

具体的な (gutaiteki na - concrete/specific)

具象的な (gushouteki na - figurative/concrete)

Verwandt

備 (preparation/provision)

器 (vessel/instrument)

材 (material)

用 (use/business)

品 (article/goods)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially in retail and cooking.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'gu' for raw vegetables in a basket. → 材料 (zairyou)
Gu is only for ingredients already assigned to or inside a dish.
Saying 'kagu-tachi' for plural furniture. → 家具 (kagu)
Japanese nouns don't take plural suffixes like 'tachi' unless they are people/animals.
Pronouncing 'enogu' as 'e-no-guuu'. → えのぐ (enogu)
The final 'u' is short and often slightly clipped.
Using 'dougu' to mean 'a person who is a tool'. → 利用されている人 (riyousarete iru hito)
The metaphorical use of 'tool' as an insult is not common in Japanese.
Confusing 'bunbougu' with 'hon' (books). → 文房具 (stationery)
Stationery includes pens and paper, but books are usually separate.

Tipps

Suffix Power

Learn 'gu' as a suffix. When you learn a new activity, check if there is an 'X-gu' word for it. It's a vocabulary shortcut.

Soup Secrets

When eating out, ask 'Gu wa nani ga haitte imasu ka?' to find out what's in the dish.

Store Navigation

Look for the character 具 on floor guides in department stores to find household goods.

Kanji Balance

In 具, the two horizontal lines inside the 'eye' part should be parallel and evenly spaced.

Respect the Gear

In Japan, keeping your 'dougu' clean is seen as a sign of a good professional or student.

Concrete vs Abstract

Remember 'gutaiteki' (concrete) as the opposite of 'chuushouteki' (abstract).

Crisp 'Gu'

Make sure your 'gu' doesn't sound like 'ku'. The 'g' should be voiced clearly.

Furniture Counting

Practice using counters with 'kagu'. 'Kagu ga futatsu' (two pieces of furniture).

Rain Gear

Use 'amagu' as a smart way to cover umbrellas and raincoats in one word.

Home Gear

Think of your house as a box filled with 'kagu' (furniture gear) and your kitchen as a pot filled with 'gu' (soup gear).

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine two hands holding a tray of **tools** and **ingredients** for a king. The hands (top) are offering the 'gu' (gear).

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a bowl of ramen. The noodles and broth are the base, but the pork, egg, and bamboo are the 'gu' (the solid gear of the soup).

Word Web

Dougu (Tool) Kagu (Furniture) Bunbougu (Stationery) Amagu (Rain gear) Enogu (Paint) Shingu (Bedding) Gutaiteki (Concrete) Gu (Ingredient)

Herausforderung

Look around your room. Identify one piece of 'kagu', one 'bunbougu', and if you have a kitchen, one 'gu' you would put in a soup.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Middle Chinese word /ɡju/ (具). The character originally depicted two hands holding a ritual vessel, signifying preparation and the act of providing what is necessary.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To prepare, to provide, or a vessel/tool used in rituals.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Kultureller Kontext

No major sensitivities. It is a very neutral and practical word.

English speakers often find it strange to use the same word for 'furniture' and 'soup ingredients', but both represent the 'functional contents' of a space or dish.

Doraemon's 'Himitsu Dougu' (Secret Gadgets). The 'Seven Tools of Benkei' (Benkei no Nanatsu Dougu). Stationery culture in Tokyo (Itoya, Loft).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Cooking at home

具を切る
具を炒める
具だくさん
冷蔵庫の具

School or Office

文房具を買う
筆記用具
道具を貸す
自分の道具

Moving/Housing

家具を選ぶ
家具付きマンション
古い家具
家具の配置

Outdoors/Hobbies

キャンプの道具
釣具店
雨具を持っていく
道具の手入れ

Abstract Discussion

具体的な話
具体例を挙げる
具体的に言うと
計画の具体化

Gesprächseinstiege

"おにぎりの具で一番好きなのは何ですか？"

"最近、何か新しい家具を買いましたか？"

"文房具の中で、特にお気に入りのものはありますか？"

"キャンプに行くなら、どんな道具が必要だと思いますか？"

"もっと具体的な話を聞かせてもらえませんか？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日食べたスープや味噌汁の具について詳しく書いてください。

あなたが仕事や勉強で毎日使う大切な「道具」について紹介してください。

理想の部屋にはどんな家具を置きたいですか？

最近買った便利な文房具について感想を書いてください。

「道具」を大切にすることについて、あなたの考えを書いてください。

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Not really. For a cake, you use 'zairyou' (materials) because the flour, eggs, and sugar blend together. 'Gu' is for things you can see and pick out, like nuts or fruit pieces *inside* the cake.

'Bunbougu' is the general word for stationery (staplers, tape, notebooks). 'Hikki-yougu' specifically refers to writing utensils (pens, pencils, erasers).

Usually no. 'Kagu' refers to hard items like tables, chairs, and beds. Curtains and rugs are categorized as 'interia' or 'shikimono'.

You can say 'dougu-bako' (toolbox) or 'dougu isshiki' (a set of tools).

No, but 'gutaiteki na riyuu' means 'a concrete/specific reason'.

Because 'e' means picture, 'no' is the possessive particle, and 'gu' means tool. It's the 'tool of the picture'.

It's neutral-casual. It's very common in advertisements and daily conversation, but in a formal menu, they might use 'guzai ga houfu' (rich in ingredients).

It's better to say 'sports youhin'. 'Gu' is usually used in established compounds like 'taiikugu' (school gym equipment).

It can mean a tool shop or, historically, an antique dealer or second-hand goods dealer.

Yes, in many words like 'gutaiteki' (concrete), 'guu-suu' (even number), and 'sonaeru' (to equip).

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