Translation and Meaning of: 千 - sen

The Japanese word 千[せん] is a fundamental term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Representing the number "one thousand," it appears in various contexts, from counting to idiomatic expressions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday use, and even curiosities that make this word so interesting.

Besides being an essential numeral, 千[せん] carries cultural and historical nuances that reflect the Japanese relationship with quantities and magnitudes. Whether in animes, music, or daily life, understanding how and when to use it can enrich your vocabulary and avoid confusion. Let's uncover all of this next!

Meaning and origin of 千[せん]

The kanji 千 is composed of the radical for "ten" (十) combined with an additional stroke, symbolizing multiplication. Historically, it emerged in ancient China before being incorporated into Japanese, retaining the meaning of "thousand" in both languages. The reading せん (sen) is the most common, but it can also be read as "chi" in some contexts, such as proper names.

In Japanese writing, 千 is one of the first numerical kanji that students learn, precisely because of its practical utility. Unlike other counting systems, it does not undergo phonetic changes when combined with other numbers, which makes its use easier. For example: 二千 (nisen) means "two thousand," retaining the original reading.

Everyday use and common expressions

In daily life, 千[せん] appears in various situations, from prices (like 千円 = sen'en, "one thousand yen") to measures of distance or time. One curiosity is its use in exaggerated expressions, like 千回 (senkai), which means "a thousand times" and is used to emphasize repetition. Phrases like "千回も言ったよ" ("I’ve said it a thousand times!") are common in informal conversations.

Another interesting example is the word 千鳥 (chidori), which literally means "thousand birds," but refers to a zigzag pattern used in fabrics or pathways. This type of expression demonstrates how the number "thousand" can take on symbolic meanings, going beyond the literal count.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 千[せん] is to visually associate it with the kanji: the top horizontal stroke represents "one," while the rest resembles "hundred" (百), creating a concept of "one above hundred." This association helps to differentiate it from other numbers, such as 十 (ten) or 万 (ten thousand).

Culturally, the number one thousand holds significant weight in Japan. For example, the origami 千羽鶴 (senbazuru), composed of a thousand paper cranes, is a symbol of healing and hope. This tradition, based on the legend of Sadako Sasaki, shows how 千[せん] transcends mathematics and connects to deep values of Japanese society.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 千 (sen) - Thousand

千

Romaji: sen
Kana: せん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: 1,000; thousand; thousand

Meaning in English: (num) 1 000;thousand

Definition: ユニットは日本語で1000を表します。

Example Sentences - (千) sen

See below some example sentences:

千里の道も一歩から

Senri no michi mo ippo kara

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

From the journey of a thousand miles per inch

• 千里 - it means "one thousand miles", it is a unit of distance measurement in the Japanese metric system.
• の - particle indicating possession or relationship between two things.
• 道 - means "path" or "road".
• も - particle indicating inclusion or addition.
• 一歩 - means "a step".
• から - particle that indicates starting point or cause.