Meaning and Usage
The verb すくう (sukuu) primarily means "to scoop" or "to ladle" something, often a liquid like water. It implies lifting or taking up a quantity of liquid or small items using a hand, scoop, or container.
Common Contexts
This verb is frequently used when talking about scooping water from a well, bucket, or other container. It can also describe scooping food items like rice or soup.
Collocations and Patterns
- 水をすくう: to scoop water
- 手ですくう: to scoop with hands
- バケツで水をすくう: to scoop water with a bucket
These collocations emphasize the tool or method used for scooping.
Register and Nuance
すくう is a neutral verb suitable for both casual and formal contexts. It is a concrete action verb and does not carry figurative meanings in everyday use.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse すくう with すくない (少ない, meaning "few" or "little"), but すくう is an action verb, not an adjective. Also, すくう specifically refers to the action of scooping or ladling, not just any movement of liquid.