Meaning

Primary

Ball

Word Type

noun

Explanation

As a single kanji vocab on its own, you know this vocab word has the same meaning as its parent kanji: ball.

can be used for round objects traditionally recognized in Japanese culture, like beads, marbles, pearls, snowballs, and pachinko balls. For balls used in sports, people typically use the katakana word ボール.

Reading

たま
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This word uses the same reading as the one you learned with the kanji: たま.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 玉どめ

    a French knot

    玉ころがし

    rolling balls

    玉むすび

    the knot at the end of a thread

Context Sentences

なんだ、この玉?

What is this ball?

ポチは、まるで丸い玉のような犬でした。

Pochi was a dog that looked like a round ball.

この玉を力いっぱいキックして下さい。

Please kick this ball with all your strength.

Kanji Composition