Meaning and Usage
The verb 映す (うつす) primarily means "to project," "to reflect," or "to cast" an image or light onto a surface. It is commonly used when talking about projecting images onto screens, reflecting scenery on water, or metaphorically showing emotions or memories on someone's face.
Common Collocations
- 映像を映す: to project an image or video, often used with TVs, projectors, or screens.
- 水面に映す: to reflect on the surface of water, describing natural reflections.
- 顔に映す: to show or reflect emotions or memories on a person's face.
Usage Notes
映す is a transitive verb, so it requires a direct object (the thing being projected or reflected). It differs from 映る (うつる), which is intransitive and means "to be reflected" or "to be projected." Learners often confuse these two; remember 映す is used when someone actively projects or reflects something.
The verb is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It is often seen in media-related contexts or poetic descriptions of reflections.
Common Mistake
Confusing 映す (transitive) with 映る (intransitive). For example, saying 映す instead of 映る when the subject is passively reflected is incorrect. Always check if the verb needs a direct object.