Translation and Meaning of: 中 - chuu

The Japanese word 中[ちゅう] is a versatile term frequently used in the language, carrying meanings that range from "inside" to "in progress." If you are learning Japanese, it is essential to understand how this word functions in different contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal expressions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical uses, and even some curiosities that can aid in memorization.

Meaning and common uses of 中[ちゅう]

The term 中[ちゅう] can be translated as "inside," "middle," or "during," depending on the context. It is often used to indicate that something is happening at the moment or within a specific space. For example, in compound words like 仕事中[しごとちゅう] (during work) or 会議中[かいぎちゅう] (during a meeting), it conveys the idea of an action in progress.

Additionally, 中 can appear in everyday situations, such as on signs indicating 営業中[えいぎょうちゅう] (open) or 準備中[じゅんびちゅう] (preparing). This flexibility makes it a fundamental word for those who wish to communicate naturally in Japanese.

Origin and structure of the kanji 中

The kanji 中 is composed of a vertical stroke that represents a central line, surrounded by a rectangle that symbolizes limits or a defined space. This visual structure helps to understand its meaning of "inside" or "middle." Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese characters, where it already carried the idea of centrality.

It's worth noting that 中 also has other readings, such as なか (naka), but ちゅう is especially common in compound words that indicate time or state. This duality of readings is an important aspect for Japanese students, as it directly influences how the word is used in different situations.

Tips for memorizing and using 中[ちゅう]

An effective way to memorize 中[ちゅう] is to associate it with situations where something is happening within a period or space. For example, when you see a store with the sign 営業中, remember that it is "within" the hours of operation. This visual association can make learning easier.

Another tip is to practice with common compound words, such as 勉強中[べんきょうちゅう] (studying at the moment) or 電話中[でんわちゅう] (on the phone). Using these expressions in everyday sentences helps to reinforce the meaning and correct application of the term. Over time, their use will become more intuitive.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 真ん中 (mannaka) - center, middle, central part
• 中央 (chuuou) - center, central part, central position, usually used in geographical or institutional contexts
• 中心 (chuushin) - center, focus, central point, denotes importance or concentration
• 中間 (chuukan) - intermediate, middle, refers to the position between two extremes
• 中央部 (chuuoubu) - central part, refers to an internal section of a whole
• 中核 (chuukaku) - core, the central part that is essential or fundamental
• 中枢 (chuusuu) - central nerve, controlling or decisive element of a system
• 中心部 (chuushinbu) - central area, region that encompasses the physical or functional center
• 中央地 (chuuouchi) - central area refers to a place or region in the center of a defined space
• 中央部分 (chuuoubun) - central part, segment that makes up the center of something

中

Romaji: chuu
Kana: ちゅう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: average; mediocre

Meaning in English: medium;mediocre

Definition: "Naka" is a word used to refer to the center or middle part of something, or to express that something is in a middle position.

Example Sentences - (中) chuu

See below some example sentences:

中央にある公園はとても美しいです。

Chūō ni aru kōen wa totemo utsukushii desu

The park in the center is very beautiful.

• 中央にある - located in the center
• 公園 - park
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 美しい - beautiful
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

中性な性格を持っています。

Chuusei na seikaku wo motteimasu

I have a neutral personality.

• 中性 - means "neutral" or "impartial".
• な - a particle that indicates adjectives.
• 性格 - means "personality" or "character."
• を - a particle that indicates the object of the sentence.
• 持っています - means "to have" or "to possess".

中心に集まろう。

Chūshin ni atsumarou

Let's meet downtown.

• 中心 (Chūshin) - means "center" in Japanese
• に (ni) - a Japanese particle that indicates the place where something happens
• 集まろう (atsumarou) - a Japanese verb meaning "let's get together"

中継局からの生中継をお楽しみください。

Chūkei kyoku kara no nama chūkei o otanoshimi kudasai

Please enjoy the live broadcast of the relay station.

• 中継局 - Estação de retransmissão
• から - of
• の - Possession particle
• 生中継 - Live broadcast
• を - direct object particle
• お楽しみください - please, enjoy

中立な立場を守ることが大切です。

Chūritsu na tachiba o mamoru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to maintain a neutral position.

It is important to protect a neutral position.

• 中立な - adjective that means "neutral"
• 立場 - noun that means "position" or "posture"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 守る - verb that means "to protect" or "to maintain"
• こと - abstract noun that indicates "thing" or "fact"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• です - linking verb that indicates the polite form of discourse

中間試験は大変だった。

Chuukan shiken wa taihen datta

The intermediate exam was difficult.

• 中間試験 - mid-term exam
• は - Topic particle
• 大変 - difficult, arduous, laborious
• だった - Past tense of the verb "to be"

中腹にある寺はとても美しいです。

Chūfuku ni aru tera wa totemo utsukushii desu

The temple in the hill is very beautiful.

• 中腹にある - located on the slope
• 寺 - temple
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 美しい - beautiful
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

主語は文の中で最も重要な役割を果たします。

Shugo wa bun no naka de mottomo juuyou na yakuwari o hatashimasu

The subject plays the most important role in the sentence.

• 主語 (shujo) - subject
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 文 (bun) - sentence
• の中で (no naka de) - Inside of
• 最も (mottomo) - more, the most
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を果たします (wo hatashimasu) - perform, fulfill

国語は日本語の中でも特に重要な言語です。

Kokugo wa Nihongo no naka demo toku ni juuyou na gengo desu

Language is a particularly important language in Japanese.

• 国語 - national language
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possession particle
• 中でも - among them
• 特に - Especially
• 重要な - important
• 言語 - Tongue
• です - verb to be in the polite form

大気中には酸素や窒素などが含まれています。

Taiki chuu ni wa sanso ya chisso nado ga fukumarete imasu

The atmosphere contains oxygen and nitrogen.

• 大気中には - means "in the air" in Japanese
• 酸素 - means "oxygen" in Japanese
• や - is a linking particle in Japanese
• 窒素 - means "nitrogen" in Japanese
• など - means "and others" in Japanese
• が - is a subject particle in Japanese
• 含まれています - means "is included" in Japanese