Translation and Meaning of: 遠い - tooi

The Japanese word 遠い [とおい] is a common adjective in everyday vocabulary, but it carries nuances that go beyond the simple translation of "far" or "distant." If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding how this word is used in different contexts can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and even tips for memorizing it effectively.

Moreover, we will see how 遠い appears in real situations, from informal conversations to cultural expressions. If you've ever used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you know it provides practical examples to facilitate learning. Here, we go beyond basic definitions and dive into what makes this word so interesting for students and enthusiasts of the language.

Meaning and use of 遠い

遠い is an adjective that describes something physically distant, but it can also express emotional or temporal distance. For example, 遠い町 means "distant town," while 遠い未来 refers to a "distant future." This versatility makes the word appear in various contexts, from geographical descriptions to metaphors about relationships.

In daily life, Japanese people frequently use 遠い to indicate locations that take time to reach, as in 駅は遠いですか？ ("Is the station far?"). It is worth noting that in some regional dialects, the pronunciation may vary slightly, but the meaning remains the same. The word is so common that hardly a day goes by without it being heard in conversations or read in texts.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 遠 is composed of the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) combined with 袁 (originally associated with long garments, but here taking on a phonetic sense). This combination suggests the idea of something that is at a great distance, requiring prolonged movement to reach. The etymology reflects the current meaning of the word well, which has maintained its essence for centuries.

One tip for memorizing kanji is to associate the radical 辶 with the act of walking a long distance. This mnemonic method is useful for students, as it connects the written form to the concept behind the word. Although 遠い is not one of the most complex kanji, understanding its composition helps to anchor it in memory more effectively.

Distant in Japanese culture and expressions

In Japanese culture, 遠い goes beyond physical distance. Expressions like 遠い存在 ("distant presence") can describe someone emotionally inaccessible. This metaphorical use is common in literature and music, where the word takes on poetic tones. Even in animes and dramas, it is possible to see how it is used to convey loneliness or longing.

Another interesting aspect is that 遠い is rarely used positively when referring to human relationships. Unlike Portuguese, where "distante" can be neutral, in Japanese this connotation often carries a slight tone of melancholy. Understanding these subtleties is essential for those who want to master the language deeply.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 遠距離 (Enkyori) - Great distance; refers to the physical distance between locations.
• 遠隔 (Enkaku) - Remote distance; often used in contexts of communication or operations at a distance.
• 遠方 (Enpou) - Distant place; usually refers to areas that are far from the speaker.
• 遠く (Tooku) - Far; used to describe distance in general.
• 遠ざかる (Toozakuru) - To pull away; indicates the act of distancing oneself from something.
• 遠い所 (Tooi tokoro) - Distant places; refers to locations that are far away.
• 遠回り (Tōmawari) - Long road; it means to deviate or take a longer route to reach a destination.