Japanese word

配る

Pronunciation

Romajikubaru

Meaning

  • verbhand out

Example

先生がプリントを配ります。sen sei ga pu ri n to o kuba ri ma su

The teacher hands out worksheets.

Illustration for 配る (hand out)

More examples

先生がみんなに紙を配ります。sen sei ga mi n na ni kami o kuba ri ma su

The teacher hands out paper to everyone.

受付で番号札を配ります。uke tsuke de ban gō satsu o kuba ri ma su

I hand out numbered tickets at the reception desk.

Core concept

It describes spreading something from one source so that each intended person or place receives a share.

Common phrases

  • チラシを配るchi ra shi o kuba ru

    hand out flyers

  • 全員に配るzen in ni kuba ru

    hand out to everyone

  • 無料で配るmu ryō de kuba ru

    hand out for free

Similar words

渡すwatasu: To pass an item or document to another person.
配布するhaifusuru: To distribute materials or items among members of a group.
手渡すtewatasu: To give an item directly to someone by placing it in their hand.
分けるwakeru: To divide something so that several people receive a share.

Definition in Japanese

物や印刷物などを、相手や場所ごとに分けて渡す。mono ya in satsu butsu na do o ai te ya ba sho go to ni wa ke te wata su

Word origin

配る (kubaru, "to distribute") is a native Japanese verb represented by 配 (hai, "to distribute or arrange"), and the exact origin of the word form is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • The related phrase 気を配る (ki o kubaru, "to be considerate") extends the idea of distributing attention among people to mean considering their needs.

Other meanings

  • deliververb

Opposites

Related words

  • 配り方kubarikataway of handing outnoun

Word lists with this word