選ぶ

• Reading: えらぶ
• Romaji: erabu
• Kanji breakdown: 選 (sen/era) — choose, select; walk radical (辶) + sorting element
• Pronunciation: /e.ɾa.bɯ/

Meaning

To choose; to select; to pick out from multiple options.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb. Implies actively selecting from a set of alternatives. Often used with から (from) and を (object marker). Common patterns include 好きなのを選ぶ (choose the one you like) and 三つから選ぶ (choose from three). The noun form is 選択 (sentaku, choice/selection).

Examples

1. 好きな色を選んでください。 Please choose the color you like.
2. 三つの中から一つ選びます。 I'll pick one out of the three.
3. プレゼントを選ぶのに時間がかかった。 It took a while to choose a present.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, daily life, decision-making

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 選 combines the walk radical (辶) with 巽, an element suggesting careful arrangement. The overall meaning conveys the act of sorting through options while moving forward.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal