Translation and Meaning of: 題 - dai

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you have probably come across the word 題 (だい). It appears in various contexts, from book titles to academic discussions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will look at some common expressions that include this term and tips for memorizing it efficiently.

Meaning and usage of 題 (だい)

The word 題 (だい) can be translated as "title," "subject," or "theme." It is often used in compositions with other kanjis to form related to specific topics. For example, 話題 (わだい) means "conversation topic," while 課題 (かだい) refers to "task" or "problem to be solved."

In daily life, Japanese people use 題 in both formal and informal contexts. Whether in newspapers, books, or even casual conversations, this word helps structure ideas and organize information. Its versatility makes it essential for anyone looking to master the language.

Origin and writing of the kanji 題

The kanji 題 is composed of two main elements: 頁 (page/head) and 是 (correct/this). This combination suggests the idea of something that is "at the top" or "at the beginning" of a text, reinforcing its meaning as "title." Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, where it was used similarly.

It is worth noting that 題 is not one of the most complex kanjis, but its reading can vary depending on the context. While だい is the most common reading, in some words it can be read as テーマ (theme, in English loans) or even as part of longer expressions.

Tips for memorizing and using 題 correctly

An effective way to 題 (だい) is to associate it with words you already know. For example, think of 問題 (もんだい), which means "problem" or "question." Repeating sentences like "この問題の題は何ですか?" (What is the title of this problem?) helps internalize its usage.

Another tip is to observe how 題 appears in titles of animes, books, and articles. Many Japanese works use this kanji to highlight their main theme, such as in 鬼滅の刃の題名 (The title of Demon Slayer). The more you expose yourself to real examples, the more natural your learning will be.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • 問題 (Mondai) - Issue, problem to be solved.
  • 主題 (Shudai) - Main theme, central subject of discussion.
  • 課題 (Kadai) - Task, challenge to be addressed, often in an educational context.
  • トピックス (Topikkusu) - Topics of interest, highlighted topics.
  • 話題 (Wadai) - Subject of conversation, popular theme in discussions.
  • 題目 (Daimoku) - Title, subject of a specific work or presentation.

Related words

話題

wadai

topic; subject

問題

mondai

problem; question

題名

daimei

title

出題

shutsudai

proposing a question

宿題

shukudai

homework

主題

shudai

Subject; theme; reason

議題

gidai

discussion topic; schedule

課題

kadai

subject; theme; task

トラブル

toraburu

Problem (sometimes used as a verb)

テーマ

te-ma

(from :) (n) theme; project; Topic (from: theme)

Romaji: dai
Kana: だい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: title; subject; theme; topic

Meaning in English: title;subject;theme;topic

Definition: Contents and topics related to themes and issues.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (題) dai

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (題) dai:

Example Sentences - (題) dai

See below some example sentences:

この問題はとても容易いです。

Kono mondai wa totemo yasashii desu

This question is very easy.

This problem is very easy.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
  • は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this problem"
  • とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
  • 容易い - adjective meaning "easy" or "simple"
  • です - Verb "to be" in polite form
この問題は紛らわしいです。

Kono mondai wa magirawashii desu

This problem is confusing.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
  • は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 紛らわしい - adjective that means "confused" or "ambiguous"
  • です - Verb "to be" in polite form
この問題の実態を明らかにする必要があります。

Kono mondai no jittai o akiraka ni suru hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to clarify the reality of this problem.

It is necessary to clarify the real situation of this problem.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
  • の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
  • 実態 - noun meaning "reality" or "true nature"
  • を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
  • 明らかにする - compound verb meaning "to make clear" or "to reveal"
  • 必要があります - expression indicating necessity or obligation
この問題は妥結した。

Kono mondai wa daketsu shita

This issue has been solved.

This problem has been completed.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
  • は - topic particle indicating that what comes before is the main subject of the sentence
  • 妥結 - noun that means "resolution" or "agreement"
  • した - verb in the past that indicates the action has already been completed
この問題は重大な影響を与える可能性がある。

Kono mondai wa juudai na eikyou wo ataeru kanousei ga aru

This issue has the potential to have a significant impact.

This issue can have a significant impact.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
  • は - topic particle that indicates that what follows is the subject of the sentence
  • 重大な - adjective that means "serious" or "severe"
  • 影響 - noun that means "influence" or "impact"
  • を - object particle that indicates the target of the action
  • 与える - verb meaning "to give" or "to grant"
  • 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
  • が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"
この問題はすでに納まった。

Kono mondai wa sudeni osamaru

This problem has already been solved.

This problem has already been paid for.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
  • は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
  • すでに - adverb meaning "already" or "now"
  • 納まった - resolved or completed
この問題は解決策がダブる可能性がある。

Kono mondai wa kaiketsusaku ga daburu kanōsei ga aru

This problem can be a solution.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
  • は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 解決策 - compound noun meaning "solution"
  • が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • ダブる - verb meaning "to duplicate" or "to repeat"
  • 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
  • が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • ある - Verb that means "to exist"
この議案は重要な問題を解決するために必要です。

Kono gi'an wa juuyou na mondai o kaiketsu suru tame ni hitsuyou desu

This proposal is needed to resolve important issues.

This is needed to resolve important issues.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 議案 - noun meaning "proposal" or "bill"
  • は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • 重要な - Adjective meaning "important"
  • 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
  • を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
  • 解決する - verb meaning "to resolve"
  • ために - expression meaning "for" or "in order to"
  • 必要です - adjective meaning "necessary"
この題は難しいです。

Kono dai wa muzukashii desu

This question is difficult.

This title is difficult.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 題 - noun that means "title" or "subject"
  • は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
  • です - verb to be in the polite form
この題名は何ですか?

Kono daima wa nan desu ka?

What is the title of this topic?

What is this title?

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 題名 - noun that means "title" or "title name"
  • は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
  • 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
  • です - verb to be in the polite form
  • か - interrogative particle indicating a question

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

題