Translation and Meaning of: 区 - ku

The Japanese word 区[く] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries meanings and uses that go beyond the basics. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding terms like this is essential to expand your vocabulary and cultural understanding. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and everyday use of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently.

Frequently found in place names and official documents, 区[く] plays an important role in Japan's geographical and administrative organization. Whether you are planning to travel or live in the country, understanding its meaning and practical applications can make all the difference. Let's uncover all of this in a clear and straightforward manner, without unnecessary complications.

Meaning and use of 区 [く]

In Japanese, 区[く] means "district" or "zone," and is primarily used to designate administrative divisions within cities. Tokyo, for example, is divided into 23 区[く], such as Shibuya-ku and Shinjuku-ku. This classification helps organize public services, maps, and even the addressing system in Japan.

In addition to its official use, the word appears in more informal contexts to refer to specific areas of a city. If someone says "この区は静かだ" (kono ku wa shizuka da), they are commenting that a certain district is quiet. It is a versatile term, but it is rarely used in isolation in daily life – it usually comes accompanied by the name of the location.

Origin and writing of the kanji 区

The kanji 区 has Chinese origins and is composed of the radical 匸 (to hide) combined with 品 (product, article). Historically, this combination suggested the idea of "to separate" or "to divide," which makes sense in its current use to demarcate distinct areas. The reading く (ku) is the most common, but the same kanji can also be read as おおざと (ōzato) in some ancient contexts.

It is worth noting that 区 is not one of the more complex kanji, which makes it easier to memorize. It frequently appears on street signs, government documents, and even in navigation apps. For those learning Japanese, recognizing it can be especially useful when moving around Japan or reading news about different regions of the country.

Tips for memorizing and using 区[く]

An effective way to remember 区[く] is to associate it with well-known place names. Practicing with real examples, such as "Minato-ku" or "Chiyoda-ku," helps to understand how the term is applied in daily Japanese life. Another tip is to create flashcards with photos of famous districts accompanied by the kanji and its reading.

In Japan, being able to identify 区[く] is particularly useful for those who use public transport or need to deal with local bureaucracies. Many official forms ask you to specify your 区 of residence, for example. Since it is such a common term in practical life, mastering it can save time and confusion in various situations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 区域 (Kuiki) - Delimited area or region.
• 地区 (Chiku) - Region or area, usually used for administrative zones.
• 行政区 (Gyouseiku) - Administrative division or area under governmental administration.
• 区分 (Kubun) - Division or categorization within a field.
• 区画 (Kukaku) - Division of lands or spaces, such as lots.
• 区域内 (Kuikinei) - Within a specific area or region.
• 区内 (Kunai) - Within the district or specific area.
• 区間 (Kukan) - Interval or section within an area or region.
• 区別 (Kubetsu) - Difference or distinction between areas or categories.
• 区制 (Kusei) - Administrative system or regime of a district.
• 区役所 (Kuyakusho) - District administrative office.
• 区画割り (Kukakuwari) - Division or subdivision of land in an area.
• 区割り (Kuwari) - Division of a district into specific sections or areas.
• 区内会 (Kunai-kai) - Association or meeting within a district.
• 区政 (Kusei) - District policy or administration.
• 区長 (Kucho) - Chief or director of a district.
• 区議会 (Kugikai) - Deliberative council of a district.
• 区民 (Kumin) - Inhabitant or citizen of a district.
• 区民生活 (Kumin seikatsu) - Life of the residents in a district.
• 区民税 (Kumin-zei) - Tax charged on residents of a district.
• 区税 (Kuzei) - Specific tax of a district.
• 区立 (Kuritsu) - Establishment or service maintained by the district.
• 区立病院 (Kuritsu byouin) - Public hospital managed by the district.
• 区立図書館 (Kuritsu toshokan) - Public library maintained by the district.
• 区立公園 (Kuritsu kouen) - Public park managed by the district.
• 区立学校 (Kuritsu gakkou) - Public school maintained by the district.

区

Romaji: ku
Kana: く
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: wing; district; section

Meaning in English: ward;district;section

Definition: A region that separates a specific region.

Example Sentences - (区) ku

See below some example sentences:

区切りをつける

kugiri wo tsukeru

put a full stop

Cut

• 区切り (kugiri) - means "cut-off point" or "division"
• を (wo) - object particle
• つける (tsukeru) - verb meaning "to place" or "to add"

括弧を使って文章を区切ってください。

Kakko wo tsukatte bunshou wo kugiratte kudasai

Please separate the text using parentheses.

Separate text using parentheses.

• 括弧 - It means "parentheses" in Japanese.
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 使って - conjugated form of the verb "tsukatte", meaning "to use"
• 文章 - means "phrase" or "text" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 区切って - conjugated form of the verb "wakatte", which means "to divide" or "to separate"
• ください - imperative form of the verb "kudasai," which means "please"

この区域は立ち入り禁止です。

Kono kuiki wa tachiiri kinshi desu

This area is prohibited entry.

This area is off limits.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 区域 - noun that means "area," "zone"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 立ち入り - noun that means "entry", "access"
• 禁止 - noun that means "prohibition"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense
• . - period indicating the end of the sentence

この地区はとても静かです。

Kono chiku wa totemo shizuka desu

This area is very peaceful.

This area is very quiet.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 地区 - noun that means "area" or "region"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 静か - adjective that means "still" or "calm"
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

区々とした意見がある。

Kukkyo to shita iken ga aru

There are varied opinions.

There are several opinions.

• 区々とした - means "diverse" or "varied".
• 意見 - means "opinion".
• が - particle that indicates subject or object of the sentence.
• ある - Verb that means "to exist" or "to have".

区別する能力は重要です。

Kubetsu suru nouryoku wa juuyou desu

The ability to distinguish is important.

• 区別する - Verb meaning "to distinguish" or "to differentiate".
• 能力 - Noun meaning "ability" or "capacity".
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "ability to distinguish".
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important" or "crucial".
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates a polite or respectful way of expressing oneself in Japanese.

区切りをつけることは大切です。

Kugiri wo tsukeru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to set boundaries.

It's important to take a break.

• 区切り - kugiri - separation
• を - wo - direct object particle
• つける - tsukeru - put, add
• こと - koto - abstract noun
• は - wa - Topic particle
• 大切 - taisetsu - important, valuable
• です - is (a Japanese copula, often used to indicate a state of being) Verb to be/estar in the present