Translation and Meaning of: 万 - ban

The Japanese word 「万」 is read as “ばん” (ban) and is a kanji character that holds significant meaning in the Japanese language. The etymology of this kanji traces back to ancient Chinese ideograms, where the word was used to symbolize large quantities, specifically the number 10,000. In ancient China, this number was often considered a representation of 'infinity' or 'grandeur'. This perception was adopted and maintained in the Japanese language, where 「万」 continues to be used to express the notion of extensive quantities or 'myriads'.

Defined as ten thousand, 「万」 is often used in numerical combinations to denote thousands in everyday contexts. In formal writing and language loans, it plays a crucial role due to its simplicity and the impact of representing a large value with just one character. Interestingly, the use of 「万」 extends beyond mere numerical contexts. For example, it is used in expressions such as 「万里の長城」 (Banri no Chōjō), which means "the Great Wall" and reflects an idea of colossal extension, both physically and symbolically.

In addition to its presence in numerical combinatorics, 「万」 also has a significant cultural role, reflecting ideas of abundance and luck. In Japan, numbers associated with large quantities often symbolize fortune and prosperity. This can be seen in traditional and contemporary expressions where 「万」 is used as a metaphor for abundance or success. The variations in use and meaning make 「万」 a word deeply rooted in various facets of Japanese society, from numerical language to symbolic and cultural connotations.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 一万 (ichiman) - Ten thousand
• 一万円 (ichiman'en) - ten thousand yen
• 一萬 (ichiman) - traditional variant of "ten thousand"
• 一萬円 (ichiman'en) - traditional variant of "ten thousand yen"
• まん (man) - thousand (abbreviated form)
• マン (man) - ミル
• man - thousand (in English form)

万

Romaji: ban
Kana: ばん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: many; all

Meaning in English: many;all

Definition: A large number or quantity.

Example Sentences - (万) ban

See below some example sentences:

私は万年筆で手紙を書くのが好きです。

Watashi wa mannenhitsu de tegami o kaku no ga suki desu

I like to write a letter with a fountain pen.

I like to write a letter with a fountain pen.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 万年筆 (mannenhitsu) - noun meaning "fountain pen"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the means or tool used
• 手紙 (tegami) - noun meaning "letter"
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 書く (kaku) - Verb meaning "to write"
• の (no) - particle indicating the nominalization of the verb
• が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 好き (suki) - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense

万事に順調に進みますように。

Banji ni junchō ni susumimasu yō ni

May all go well in all things.

Hope you do well.

• 万事 (banji) - all things
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the target or destination
• 順調 (junchou) - no problem, smoothly
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the manner or state
• 進みます (susumimasu) - Move forward, progress
• ように (you ni) - expression that indicates desire or hope

万能な力を持っている。

Bannou na chikara wo motte iru

It has an omnipotent power.

It has a versatile power.

• 万能 (Bannou) - means "omnipotent" or "all-powerful".
• な (na) - a Japanese particle that is used to modify a noun or adjective.
• 力 (chikara) - means "strength" or "power".
• を (wo) - a Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of a sentence.
• 持っている (motteiru) - a verb that means "to have" or "to possess".

万歳！日本が大好きです！

Banzai! Nihon ga daisuki desu!

Alive! I love Japan!

Banzai! I love Japan!

• 万歳！ - "Banzai!" (Japanese expression of celebration)
• 日本 - Japan
• が - subject particle
• 大好き - "muito amado"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

億万長者になりたい。

Okumanchouja ni naritai

I want to become a billionaire.

I want to be a millionaire.

• 億万長者 - billionaire
• に - target or destination indicator particle
• なりたい - want to become