Translation and Meaning of: 電池 - denchi

The Japanese word 電池 [でんち] is one of those words that every language student eventually encounters, especially in an increasingly technology-dependent world. If you've ever wondered what it means, how to use it, or even its origin, this article will clarify those doubts in a direct and practical manner. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and useful information for those who truly want to master Japanese.

In addition to explaining the basic meaning of 電池, let's explore how this word is used in everyday Japanese, its frequency in conversations, and even tips for memorizing it more easily. If you've ever struggled with kanji or want to understand the cultural context behind the term, keep reading!

Meaning and use of 電池 [でんち]

電池 [でんち] means "battery", specifically referring to cells or accumulators of electric energy. It is a compound word made up of the kanjis 電 (electricity) and 池 (lake, reservoir), creating the idea of a "reservoir of electricity". This type of composition is common in technical in Japanese, which often combine kanjis to form new concepts.

In daily life, the Japanese use 電池 to talk about common batteries (like those for remote controls) or even rechargeable batteries for cell phones. Phrases like 「電池が切れた」 (the battery is dead) are extremely common, especially in a country where electronic devices are ubiquitous. It's worth noting that, although it is a technical term, でんち does not sound too formal – it’s perfectly natural in everyday conversations.

Origin and curiosities about the word

The word 電池 emerged in the late 19th century, during the Meiji period, when Japan was undergoing intense modernization. It was created to translate the Western concept of "battery" (from English), maintaining an internal logic through the kanji. This process of adapting foreign to Japanese is known as wasei-kango (Sino-Japanese words created in Japan).

An interesting fact is that, although 池 usually means "lake," in technical compounds it can take on the meaning of "reservoir" or "container." This flexibility of kanji is part of what makes Japanese so rich – and challenging! To memorize 電池, one tip is to literally visualize a "lake of electricity" stored inside a battery.

Bateries in contemporary Japanese culture

In present-day Japan, where technology is a part of almost every aspect of life, 電池 is a high-frequency word. It constantly appears on product packaging, instruction manuals, and even in recycling campaigns – the country has a strict system for the proper disposal of used batteries.

In the media, it's common to see anime characters complaining that 「携帯の電池がなくなった！」 (the cellphone battery is dead!). This type of usage reinforces how the term is ingrained in pop culture. For students, paying attention to these contexts can be a great way to naturally retain vocabulary.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 乾電池 (kandenchi) - Dry battery, used in devices such as remote controls.
• 充電池 (juudenchi) - Rechargeable battery, which can be recharged to be used again.
• バッテリー (batterii) - General term for batteries, which can refer to both dry and rechargeable batteries.
• 電池パック (denchi pakku) - Battery pack, commonly used in more complex devices, such as laptops.
• 電池式 (denchi-shiki) - Battery-powered type refers to the operation of devices that use batteries.