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:

彼はいつも問題を誤魔化す。

Kare wa itsumo mondai o gomakasu

He always tries to cover up problems.

He always deceives the problem.

  • 彼 - personal pronoun "he"
  • は - Topic particle
  • いつも - adverb "always"
  • 問題 - noun "problem"
  • を - direct object particle
  • 誤魔化す - verb "deceive, disguise"
この問題は詰らない。

Kono mondai wa tsumaranai

This problem is bland.

This problem is not clogged.

  • この - this
  • 問題 - problem
  • は - Topic particle
  • 詰らない - no solution, no answer
非行は社会問題です。

Hikou wa shakai mondai desu

Delinquency is a social problem.

Delineations are social issues.

  • 非行 (hikou) - inappropriate behavior, delinquency
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 社会 (shakai) - society
  • 問題 (mondai) - problem
  • です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form
避けることができない問題がある。

Hikeru koto ga dekinai mondai ga aru

There is a problem that cannot be avoided.

There is an inevitable problem.

  • 避ける - verb that means "to avoid"
  • こと - noun that means "thing"
  • が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • できない - adjective that means "cannot be done"
  • 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
  • が - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
  • ある - Verb that means "to exist"
格差が社会問題として深刻化している。

Kakusa ga shakai mondai to shite shinkokuka shite iru

Inequality is becoming a serious social problem.

The gap is becoming more serious as a social problem.

  • 格差 - inequality
  • が - subject particle
  • 社会 - society
  • 問題 - problem
  • として - how
  • 深刻化 - worsening
  • している - It's running
排水は重要な環境問題です。

Haisui wa juuyou na kankyou mondai desu

Drainage is an important environmental issue.

Drainage is an important environmental problem.

  • 排水 - Means "sewer" in Japanese.
  • は - is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
  • 重要な - means "important" in Japanese, and is an adjective that modifies the noun "環境問題".
  • 環境問題 - means "environmental problem" in Japanese, and is the subject of the sentence.
  • です - is a polite way of saying "is" in Japanese, and indicates that the sentence is a statement.
利害がかかわる問題は慎重に考えなければならない。

Rigai ga kakawaru mondai wa shinchou ni kangae nakereba naranai

You must carefully consider the problem of interest.

You must carefully consider the problem of interest.

  • 利害がかかわる - related to interests and benefits
  • 問題 - problem
  • は - Topic particle
  • 慎重に - carefully
  • 考えなければならない - must be thought
出題は難しいです。

Shutsudai wa muzukashii desu

The questions are tough.

The question is difficult.

  • 出題 - means "question" or "issue".
  • は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
  • 難しい - means "difficult".
  • です - Verb "to be" in the present tense.
不足な資源が問題です。

Fusoku na shigen ga mondai desu

The lack of resources is a problem.

Insufficient resources are a problem.

  • 不足な - scarcity, lack of
  • 資源 - resources
  • が - subject particle
  • 問題 - problem
  • です - verb to be in the polite form
この話題はとても興味深いですね。

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

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

題