Translation and Meaning of: 山 - yama
The Japanese word 「山」 (yama) translates to "mountain" in several languages. This term is widely used in Japan due to its mountainous terrain, with approximately 73% of the country covered by mountains. The complexity of Japanese geography has a significant influence on both culture and language. In Japanese writing, the kanji 「山」 consists of three strokes that resemble the profile of a mountain, which facilitates visual association for those learning the language.
Etymologically, the kanji 「山」 (yama) has its origins in ancient Chinese writing. In the Chinese language, the meaning also refers to a mountain, and the character has the same pictographic base, highlighting the common nature of mountain formations in the culture of both countries. The radical used for the kanji 「山」 is often associated with nature, appearing in characters that encom natural elements.
In the cultural context, mountains have always held a special meaning in Japan. They are traditionally seen as abodes of gods and spirits in Shinto religion, as is the case with Mount Fuji, considered sacred. This respect and reverence for mountains is reflected in the language through the frequent use of 「山」 in place names, such as famous mountains and even people’s names, where the word denotes strength and stability.
In addition to its isolated use, 「山」 (yama) is part of many other compound words in the Japanese language. Examples include 「山脈」 (sanmyaku), which means "mountain range," and 「登山」 (tozan), which means "mountaineering." This demonstrates how geography influences not only everyday life but also the language and cultural expressions of Japan. This flexibility of the word's use highlights the importance of mountains in Japanese daily life.
Vocabulary
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Synonyms and similar words
- 山脈 (Sanmyaku) - Mountain chain
- 山岳 (Sangaku) - mountain or high-altitude mountainous area
- 山地 (Shanchi) - mountainous region
- 山並み (Yamanami) - mountain range
- 岳 (Take) - peak or mountain
- 高峰 (Kōhō) - high mountain or peak
- 絶壁 (Zeppeki) - cliff or mountain wall
- 山峰 (Sanpō) - mountain peak
- 山頂 (Sanchō) - mountain peak
- 山腹 (Sanpuku) - slope or hillside of the mountain
- 山野 (Yamano) - mountainous area or hilly rural area
- 山林 (Sanrin) - mountainous forest
- 山陰 (Yamakai) - mountain shadow
- 山麓 (Sanroku) - foço or mountain base
- 山嶺 (Sanrei) - mountain range or mountain ridge
- 山河 (Sangawa) - mountains and rivers
- 山峡 (Sankyō) - mountain valley or gorge
- 山系 (Sankei) - mountain range
- 山崩れ (Yamakuzure) - landslide in mountainous area
- 山火事 (Yamakaji) - wildfire in the mountains
- 山荘 (Sansō) - summer house in the mountains
- 山道 (Yamavō) - path or trail on the mountain
- 山猫 (Yamaneko) - wildcat
- 山吹 (Yamabuki) - mountain flower
- 山葵 (Wasabi) - wasabi root, a plant typical of mountainous areas
- 山葡萄 (Yamabudō) - wild grape
- 山葵漬け (Wasabi-zuke) - wasabi paste
- 山葵醤油 (Wasabi shōyu) - soy sauce with wasabi
- 山葵味噌 (Wasabi miso) - miso with wasabi
- 山葵酢 (Wasabi zu) - wasabi vinegar
- 山葵マヨネーズ (Wasabi mayonēzu) - wasabi mayonnaise
Related words
Romaji: yama
Kana: やま
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: Mountain
Meaning in English: mountain
Definition: A high part of the Earth's surface that is tall, steep, and has a pointed top.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (山) yama
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (山) yama:
Example Sentences - (山) yama
See below some example sentences:
Watashi no jikka wa yama no naka ni arimasu
My parents' house is in the mountains.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
- 実家 - noun meaning "parents' house", "family home"
- は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
- 山 - noun that means "mountain"
- の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
- 中 - noun that means "middle", "center"
- に - particle indicating location, equivalent to "in"
- あります - verb that means "to be", "to exist"
Watashi wa yama wo oriru
I'm going down the mountain.
I go down the mountain.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 山 - noun that means "mountain"
- を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
- 下りる - verb meaning "to go down"
Watashi no shimei wa Yamada Taro desu
My name is Yamada Taro.
My name is Taro Yamada.
- 私の氏名 - "Watashi no shimei" means "my name" in Japanese.
- は - "wa" is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
- 山田太郎 - "Yamada Taro" is a Japanese personal name.
- です - "Desu" is a polite way to say "to be" or "to exist" in Japanese.
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
