授ける

• Reading: さずける
• Romaji: sazukeru
• Kanji breakdown: 授 (ju/sazu) — grant, confer, instruct
• Pronunciation: /sa.zɯ.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To grant; to confer; to award. Used when bestowing something valuable such as knowledge, a title, or a blessing.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb with a formal, elevated tone. Often used in contexts where someone of higher status gives something of significance to someone below them, such as a teacher granting wisdom, a king conferring a title, or a deity bestowing a blessing.

Examples

1. 王は勇者に剣を授けた。 The king granted the hero a sword.
2. 師匠が弟子に秘伝の技を授ける。 The master confers secret techniques upon the apprentice.
3. 教授は学生たちに貴重な教えを授けてくれた。 The professor shared invaluable teachings with his students.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, ceremonies, education

Tone: elevated

Origin & History

From the kanji 授 (confer, grant), combining the radical 手 (hand) with 受 (receive), suggesting the act of handing something down from above.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal