Meaning and Usage
The verb 着せる (きせる) primarily means "to put clothes on someone else." It is a transitive verb used when dressing another person or sometimes an animal. Unlike 着る (きる), which means "to wear clothes oneself," 着せる emphasizes the action of dressing someone else.
Common Contexts
This verb is often used by parents or caregivers when dressing children or babies. It can also be used in contexts where someone is figuratively "putting on" something, such as responsibility or blame, onto another person.
Collocations and Patterns
- 子供に服を着せる: to dress a child
- 犬に服を着せる: to put clothes on a dog
- 責任を着せる: to put responsibility on someone (figurative)
- 罪を着せる: to blame someone unfairly
Register and Nuance
着せる is neutral in formality and commonly used in everyday conversation. When used figuratively (e.g., 責任を着せる), it often implies an unfair or forced imposition.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 着せる with 着る. Remember, 着せる is always used when dressing someone else, while 着る is for oneself. Also, 着せる can be used figuratively to mean "to impose" or "to blame," which is important to recognize in context.