Walk is the fundamental verb for moving on foot in any situation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for basic movement on foot.
- Commonly used in daily life.
- Can imply exercise or travel.
Overview
- 1概要：「歩く」は、人間や動物が足を使って地面を移動する最も基本的な動作を表す動詞です。日常会話で非常に頻繁に使用され、単なる移動手段だけでなく、散歩や運動といった文脈でも使われます。2) 使用パターン：助詞「を」を使って「公園を歩く」のように移動する場所を示すほか、「〜まで歩く」のように目的地を示す表現も一般的です。また、歩く速度や様子を表す副詞と組み合わせて使うことも多いです。3) よくある文脈：通勤や通学、買い物といった日常生活の移動シーンや、健康のための「ウォーキング」などの場面で使用されます。4) 類語との比較：「走る」は歩くよりも速い速度で移動することを指し、「散歩する」は目的なく楽しむために歩くというニュアンスが強まります。「歩く」はそれらの中立的で最も広範な動作を指します。
Examples
毎日、公園を歩きます。
everydayI walk in the park every day.
駅まで歩いて行きます。
formalI will walk to the station.
少し歩こうか。
informalShall we walk a little?
健康のために毎日歩くことが推奨されています。
academicWalking every day is recommended for health.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
歩いてすぐ
a short walk away
歩き回る
walk around
歩き出す
start walking
Often Confused With
Hashiru means to run, involving a faster pace and often both feet off the ground briefly. Aruku is strictly for walking.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Aruku is a neutral verb used in all levels of formality. When describing how you get somewhere on foot, use the 'te-form' + iku (aruite iku). It is a standard term used by all ages.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often forget the particle 'o' when describing the location of the walk. Another common error is using 'aruite' without 'iku' when describing the act of going somewhere on foot. Remember that 'aruku' describes the action, while 'aruite iku' describes the method of travel.
Tips
Use particles correctly with walking
When indicating the path you walk along, use the particle 'o' (e.g., michi o aruku). Use 'ni' or 'made' when specifying a destination.
Don't confuse with running
Ensure you distinguish between 'aruku' (walk) and 'hashiru' (run). Using the wrong verb can change the meaning of your travel plans significantly.
Walking culture in Japan
Japan is a walking-friendly country with excellent public transport, making 'aruku' a frequent part of daily life for most citizens.
Word Origin
The word stems from ancient Japanese where the movement of feet was described as 'ayumi'. Over time, it evolved into the modern verb 'aruku'.
Cultural Context
Walking is a deeply ingrained part of Japanese culture, from school commutes to 'o-sanpo' (leisurely strolls). It is often seen as a meditative and healthy daily practice.
Memory Tip
Think of the two legs (kanji '歩' looks like two legs) moving one after another. 'Aruku' sounds like 'a-look', as if you are walking to take a look at something.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「歩く」は移動という動作そのものを指しますが、「散歩する」はリラックスや楽しみのために歩くという目的が含まれます。
いいえ、「歩きます」は現在・未来形です。過去形にする場合は「歩きました」となります。
「通る」は単にその場所を通過することに焦点があり、「歩く」は足を使って移動するという動作そのものに焦点があります。
はい、「歩きやすい靴」のように名詞形や連用形で使うことがよくあります。
Test Yourself
公園___歩きます。
移動する場所を示すときは助詞「を」を使います。
駅までどうやって行きますか？
手段を表すときは「歩いて（て形）＋行く」という接続になります。
（毎日 / 公園 / を / 歩きます）
時を表す言葉は文の最初の方に置くのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Walk is the fundamental verb for moving on foot in any situation.
- Used for basic movement on foot.
- Commonly used in daily life.
- Can imply exercise or travel.
Use particles correctly with walking
When indicating the path you walk along, use the particle 'o' (e.g., michi o aruku). Use 'ni' or 'made' when specifying a destination.
Don't confuse with running
Ensure you distinguish between 'aruku' (walk) and 'hashiru' (run). Using the wrong verb can change the meaning of your travel plans significantly.
Walking culture in Japan
Japan is a walking-friendly country with excellent public transport, making 'aruku' a frequent part of daily life for most citizens.
Examples
4 of 4毎日、公園を歩きます。
I walk in the park every day.
駅まで歩いて行きます。
I will walk to the station.
少し歩こうか。
Shall we walk a little?
健康のために毎日歩くことが推奨されています。
Walking every day is recommended for health.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More travel words
くらい/ぐらい
B1Particle indicating extent, degree, or 'about/approximately'.
宿泊
B1The act of staying overnight in a place, such as a hotel or guest house. Essential for IELTS General Task 1 letters regarding travel complaints or bookings.
入場料
B1The fee paid to enter a place.
入場券
B1A ticket allowing entry to an event or place.
冒険
B1Adventure; an exciting or unusual experience.
手頃
B1Reasonable in price or size; affordable, suitable.
〜の後に
B1After (a noun or event).
〜の後で
B1After (time or place), behind.
飛行場
A2Airport.
航空会社
B1Airline company.
