Translation and Meaning of: 水田 - suiden

The Japanese word 水田[すいでん] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses worth exploring. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding like this can enrich your vocabulary and even your perception of Japanese culture. In this article, we will uncover the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word is used, as well as provide practical tips for memorizing it.

Suiden [すいでん] is a word that appears quite frequently in agricultural and geographical contexts, but it can also arise in everyday conversations or even in animes and mangas. Here at Suki Nihongo, we always strive to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to truly learn Japanese. So, let's dive into the details of this word and discover how it is used in Japan.

Meaning and translation of 水田[すいでん] (suiden): rice field.

水田 [すいでん] is composed of two kanji: 水 (sui), which means "water," and 田 (den), which means "rice paddy" or "field." Together, they form the word that can be translated as "flooded rice paddy" or "irrigated rice field." This type of cultivation is extremely common in Japan, where rice is a staple food and holds great cultural significance.

Unlike a dry rice field, a 水田 is kept flooded for most of the rice growth cycle. This ancient technique helps in weed control and ensures that the plants have enough water to grow. If you've ever seen those images of green fields filled with water in Japan, you were probably looking at a 水田.

Origin and use of the word 水田[すいでん]

The word 水田 has ancient origins, dating back to the period when rice agriculture was introduced in Japan, over two thousand years ago. The cultivation of rice in flooded fields was one of the foundations for the development of Japanese society, and like this have become an essential part of the vocabulary. The pronunciation すいでん (suiden) is the on'yomi reading, derived from Chinese, indicating that the term was formalized a long time ago.

Nowadays, 水田 is a word you can find in textbooks, news about agriculture, or even on signs in rural areas. Although it is not very common in everyday life in cities, it is still relevant for those studying geography, history, or Japanese economy. If you watch documentaries about the countryside in Japan, you are likely to hear it.

Tips for memorizing 水田[すいでん]

An effective way to this word is to associate the kanjis that compose it with its meaning. 水 (water) + 田 (rice field) form a "rice field full of water," which makes perfect sense. Visualizing this mental image can help solidify the term. Additionally, trying to use it in simple sentences, such as "日本の水田は美しいです" (The rice fields of Japan are beautiful), can reinforce memorization.

Another tip is to look for photos or videos of 水田 to create a visual connection with the word. Many Japanese animes and films, especially those with rural settings, showcase these fields. Associating the word with real or fictional images that you have already seen can make it more familiar and easier to .

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 田んぼ (tanbo) - rice field
• 水田 (suiden) - Campo de arroz irrigado
• 水稲田 (suinoda) - Irrigated rice field, focusing on rice cultivation
• 水田地 (suidenchi) - Irrigated rice field
• 水田畑 (suidenbata) - Field where rice is cultivated, with an emphasis on rotation with other crops.