Japanese Conversation · Level 79
76 words
Japanese word
すがる
Pronunciation
Romajisugaru
Meaning
- verbcling to
Example
母の腕にすがります。haha no ude ni su ga ri ma su
I cling to my mother's arm.
More examples
転んだ子どもは、父親の足にすがりました。koro n da ko do mo wa chichi oya no ashi ni su ga ri ma shi ta
The child who fell clung to his father's leg.
Core concept
Expresses attachment to a source of support, ranging from gripping an object to depending heavily on a person.
Common phrases
手すりにすがるte su ri ni su ga ru
cling to a handrail
人の腕にすがるhito no ude ni su ga ru
cling to someone's arm
Similar words
しがみつくshigamitsuku: To hold tightly to a person or object and remain attached to it.
つかまるtsukamaru: To hold onto a person or object for physical support or balance.
依存するizonsuru: To depend heavily on a person or thing for support or functioning.
頼るtayoru: To seek help or support from a person or thing when handling something.
Definition in Japanese
離れまいとして物や人にしっかり取りつき、助けを得ようとして頼る。hana re ma i to shi te mono ya hito ni shi kka ri to ri tsu ki tasu ke o e yō to shi te tayo ru
Word origin
The origin of the native Japanese verb すがる (sugaru) is not certain, while 縋る (sugaru, "to cling") is a meaning-based kanji spelling used to write it.
Usage tips
- When すがる (sugaru) refers to depending on someone, it often carries a stronger sense of desperation than the English phrase rely on.