The verb 'hiku' covers a wide range of meanings from physical pulling to abstract actions like drawing lines or catching a cold.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To pull something towards oneself.
- Used for physical movements and abstract concepts.
- Also used for catching colds or drawing lines.
Overview
- 1概要：「引く」は、対象物を自分の方へ移動させる動作が基本です。「押す」の対義語として日常的に使われます。2) 使用パターン：物理的な動作（ドアを引く、紐を引く）から、抽象的な概念（線を引く、注意を引く、根を引く）まで多岐にわたります。また、「風邪を引く」のように、ある状態に陥ることを表す際にも使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：日常生活では「ドアを引いてください」や「カーテンを引く」といった動作で頻繁に使われます。また、ビジネスシーンでは「線を引く（境界を明確にする）」といった表現も一般的です。4) 類語との比較：「引っ張る」は「引く」よりも力を込めて連続的に動かすニュアンスが強く、物理的な動作に限定されがちです。「引く」はより広い意味を持ち、文脈によって意味が大きく変化します。
Examples
ドアを引いて開けてください。
everydayPlease pull the door to open it.
重要な部分に線を引く。
formalDraw a line under the important part.
昨日から風邪を引いている。
informalI have had a cold since yesterday.
注意を引くための広告。
academicAn advertisement to attract attention.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
身を引く
to withdraw
興味を引く
to interest
根を引く
to have lingering effects
Often Confused With
Implies more physical force and continuous pulling. 'Hiku' is more general and used for abstract concepts.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The verb 'hiku' is used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a very versatile verb that appears in many idiomatic expressions. Always check the context to determine if it is a physical or abstract meaning.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse 'hiku' (pull) with 'osu' (push). Also, students may try to use other verbs for 'catching a cold' instead of the fixed phrase 'kaze o hiku'.
Tips
Visualize the direction of motion
Always imagine pulling something toward your body. This core image helps connect physical pulling to abstract meanings like attracting attention.
Distinguish from physical pulling
Be careful not to confuse 'hiku' with 'hipparu'. While 'hiku' is neutral, 'hipparu' implies more effort and physical force.
Use in common idioms
Japanese uses 'hiku' for many idiomatic expressions like 'kaze o hiku'. These are fixed phrases, so learn them as whole units.
Word Origin
Derived from the ancient Japanese verb 'hiku' meaning to draw or pull. It has been used in Japanese since the Nara period.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'hiku' is deeply embedded in Japanese daily life, from the simple act of opening doors to the common health warning of 'catching a cold'.
Memory Tip
Imagine you are pulling a heavy rope towards you. Then imagine that rope is a line on paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「引く」は動作そのものを指すことが多く、「引っ張る」は力を込めて動かすという過程や勢いを強調します。日常的な動作では「引く」が使われることが多いです。
この場合の「引く」は、病気や悪い状態を自分の方へ引き寄せてしまうという意味です。慣用句として固定されているので、セットで覚えましょう。
ドアの表示などでよく見かけますが、自分の体の方へ動かすのが「引く」、遠ざけるのが「押す」です。動作をイメージすると覚えやすいです。
ノートに線を書くときや、物事の区切りを明確にするときに使います。比喩的に「ここで線を引こう（区切りをつけよう）」とも言います。
Test Yourself
ドアを___。
ドアを開ける動作として「引く」が適切です。
風邪を___。
「風邪を引く」は決まった言い回しです。
線を / 引いて / ください / ノートに
自然な日本語の語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
The verb 'hiku' covers a wide range of meanings from physical pulling to abstract actions like drawing lines or catching a cold.
- To pull something towards oneself.
- Used for physical movements and abstract concepts.
- Also used for catching colds or drawing lines.
Visualize the direction of motion
Always imagine pulling something toward your body. This core image helps connect physical pulling to abstract meanings like attracting attention.
Distinguish from physical pulling
Be careful not to confuse 'hiku' with 'hipparu'. While 'hiku' is neutral, 'hipparu' implies more effort and physical force.
Use in common idioms
Japanese uses 'hiku' for many idiomatic expressions like 'kaze o hiku'. These are fixed phrases, so learn them as whole units.
Examples
4 of 4ドアを引いて開けてください。
Please pull the door to open it.
重要な部分に線を引く。
Draw a line under the important part.
昨日から風邪を引いている。
I have had a cold since yesterday.
注意を引くための広告。
An advertisement to attract attention.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
