Meaning

Primary

Japan

Word Type

proper noun

Explanation

Remember the secondary meaning of being "origin"? That technically makes this sun origin. Does that sound familiar? Japan is known as the "land of the rising sun", which is why this means Japan!

Reading

にほん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)
にっぽん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. The is read just how you learned it, but the reading is sort of an exception here, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

You've finally arrived in Japan and immediately fall down on your knees (). After two excruciatingly long flights, you've finally made it. You're here. This is Japan. Now get up off your knees, people are starting to stare.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 日本の人々

    the people of Japan

    日本の木

    trees in Japan

    日本の山

    mountains in Japan

Context Sentences

日本のカレーはおいしいです。

Japanese curry is delicious.

十月に日本にいきます。

I'm going to Japan in October.

日本の人口は、どのくらいですか?

What is the population of Japan?

Kanji Composition