Translation and Meaning of: 話題 - wadai
The word 「話題」 (wadai) is a Japanese noun that means "topic," "subject," or "theme of conversation." Widely used in formal and informal contexts, it refers to the focus or central point of a discussion, whether in a casual conversation, a business meeting, or in media such as newspapers and television programs. The term encapsulates the idea of something that is actively being talked about or debated.
Etymologically, 「話題」 is composed of the kanji 「話」 (wa), which means "to speak" or "story", and 「題」 (dai), which denotes "topic", "subject" or "title". This combination literally indicates "topic of conversation". The origin of the kanji goes back to classical Chinese, but the integrated use of 「話題」 in modern Japanese reflects its adoption to describe something that is the focus of a verbal or written interaction.
The term "話題" also has nuances that adapt to the context. For example, it can refer to popular topics or themes that are trending, as in "話題の映画" (wadai no eiga), which means "the movie of the moment." Additionally, it can be used in situations where one seeks to change or introduce a new topic, such as "話題を変える" (wadai o kaeru), which means "to change the subject." This usage demonstrates its semantic flexibility in the language.
This term is also found in compound expressions, such as 「話題性」 (wadaisei), which refers to the "attraction" or "potential for discussion" of a particular topic. The frequency with which 「話題」 appears in everyday vocabulary and media contexts reflects its relevance in social communication in Japan, highlighting its cultural and linguistic importance.
Vocabulary
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Synonyms and similar words
- 話題 (Wadai) - Topic or subject under discussion
- トピック (Topikku) - Specific theme or subject, often used in academic or conversational contexts.
- テーマ (Tēma) - Central theme or subject, often used in creative contexts such as literature and art.
- 主題 (Shudai) - Main subject or theme of a work, central focus of discussion
Related words
Romaji: wadai
Kana: わだい
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: topic; subject
Meaning in English: topic;subject
Definition: To attract attention or provoke discussion.
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How to Write in Japanese - (話題) wadai
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (話題) wadai:
Example Sentences - (話題) wadai
See below some example sentences:
Kono wadai wa totemo kyōmi bukai desu ne
This topic is very interesting.
This topic is very interesting.
- この話題 - kono wadai - This topic
- は - wa- Topic particle
- とても - totem - Very
- 興味深い - kyōmibukai - Interesting
- です - desu - polite way of being
- ね - huh - confirmation/emphasis particle
Mochikiri no wadai ga tsuzuite iru
End topic continues.
- 持ち切り - Japanese expression meaning "a topic that continues to be discussed intensely"
- の - Japanese particle indicating possession or connection
- 話題 - Japanese noun meaning "topic" or "subject"
- が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 続いている - Japanese verb meaning "continue" or "proceed", conjugated in the present continuous
Other Words of this Type: Noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Noun
