Translation and Meaning of: 地 - chi

The Japanese word 地[ち] is a fundamental term that appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to deeper expressions. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding the meaning, origin, and uses of this word can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore everything about 地[ち], including its translation, how it is perceived in Japanese culture, and tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to being a common word, 地[ち] also forms various expressions and kanji, making it even more interesting. Whether for those starting with Japanese or for those seeking to deepen their studies, knowing this word can open doors to a broader understanding of the language. Let's dive into the details and discover what makes 地[ち] so special.

Meaning and translation of 地[ち]

The term 地[ち] can be translated as "earth" or "ground," but its meaning goes beyond that. It represents the physical basis of the ground, the terrain where we build our homes and grow our food. In more abstract contexts, it can also refer to the essence or foundation of something, as in the expression 地力[ちから], which means "inner strength" or "innate ability."

It is worth noting that 地[ち] is not just an isolated noun. It appears in combinations with other kanji, forming words like 地震[じしん] (earthquake) and 地下[ちか] (underground). This versatility makes it an essential word for those who wish to expand their vocabulary in Japanese.

Origin and cultural use of 地[ち]

The origin of 地[ち] dates back to classical Chinese, where the kanji 地 was already used to represent the earth or soil. In Japan, this concept was incorporated and adapted, gaining its own nuances within the culture. For example, in Japanese philosophy, the earth is seen as something sacred, connected to agriculture and the daily life of people.

In addition, 地 [ち] appears in proverbs and popular expressions, such as 地に足をつける (keeping your feet on the ground), which means to be realistic or practical. This type of usage shows how the word is rooted not only in the language but also in the Japanese mindset, reflecting values such as stability and connection with nature.

Tips for memorizing 地[ち]

An effective way to memorize 地[ち] is to associate it with concrete images, such as the ground we walk on or an open field. Visualizing the kanji 地 can also help, since its radical 土 (earth) appears in other related characters, such as 場[ば] (place) and 坂[さか] (hill). Creating flashcards with usage examples, such as 地下鉄[ちかてつ] (subway), can reinforce learning.

Another tip is to practice with everyday phrases, such as "この地図は便利です" (This map is useful), where 地図[ちず] means "map." The more you use the word in real contexts, the more natural its usage will become. Apps like Anki or spaced repetition can be great allies in this process.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 土 (Tsuchi) - Earth, soil
• 大地 (Daichi) - Earth, surface of the earth, applied in a broader context
• 土地 (Tochi) - Propriedade de terra, terreno
• 地面 (Jimen) - Superfície da terra, chão
• 地球 (Chikyuu) - Terra, planeta Terra
• 地域 (Chiiki) - Área, região, local específico
• 地方 (Chihou) - Region, area, term often used in a broader context
• 地形 (Chikei) - Topology, shape of the Earth's surface
• 地図 (Chizu) - Map, graphical representation of the Earth's surface
• 地下 (Chika) - Subterranean, part of the earth below.
• 地獄 (Jigoku) - Hell, in a religious or mythological context
• 地震 (Jishin) - Quake, earthquake, earth movement
• 地球温暖化 (Chikyuu Ondanka) - Global warming, climate change related to Earth

地

Romaji: chi
Kana: ち
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: earth

Meaning in English: earth

Definition: Chi: A word that refers to space or region.

Example Sentences - (地) chi

See below some example sentences:

この敷地は広すぎる。

Kono shikichi wa hiro sugiru

This land is very large.

This site is very wide.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 敷地 - noun that means "land", "area", "property"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 広すぎる - adjective that means "very large," "too wide"

この土地は荒廃している。

Kono tochi wa kouhai shite iru

This land is in ruins.

This land is devastating.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 土地 - noun meaning "land", "terrain"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 荒廃 - noun meaning "desolation", "devastation"
• している - continuous form of the verb する (to do), indicating an action in progress

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

この土地は敵によって占領されました。

Kono tochi wa teki ni yotte senryou sare mashita

This land has been occupied by the enemy.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 土地 - noun meaning "land", "terrain"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 敵 - noun meaning "enemy"
• によって - expression that indicates the cause or agent of an action, in this case "por"
• 占領 - noun that means "occupation", "dominion"
• されました - passive voice in the polite form, indicating that the action was done by another person

この地方の名物は何ですか？

Kono chihō no meibutsu wa nan desu ka?

What is the specialty of this region?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 地方 - noun meaning "region"
• の - Possession particle
• 名物 - noun that means "culinary specialty"
• は - Topic particle
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle

この地名はとても美しいです。

Kono chimei wa totemo utsukushii desu

This place name is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 地名 - noun that means "name of place"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

この地点には美しい景色が見えます。

Kono chiten ni wa utsukushii keshiki ga miemasu

In this place

You can see a beautiful landscape at this time.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 地点 - noun that means "point" or "location"
• に - particle that indicates "in" or "at"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "this point"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 景色 - noun that means "landscape" or "view"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "the beautiful landscape"
• 見えます - verb that means "can be seen"

下地を整える必要があります。

Shimoji wo totonoeru hitsuyou ga arimasu

It is necessary to prepare the base.

You need to adjust the base.

• 下地 (shitaji) - base, foundation
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 整える (tottaeru) - tidy up, prepare
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - necessary
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - there is, there is

余地がない。

Yochi ga nai

There is no room for maneuver.

There is no space.

• 余地 - space, margin, possibility
• が - subject particle
• ない - denial, does not exist

内陸地には美しい山々があります。

Nairikuji ni wa utsukushii yamayama ga arimasu

There are beautiful mountains in the interior areas.

• 内陸地 - It means "inland area" or "hinterland".
• には - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the existence of something in a specific area.
• 美しい - means "pretty" or "beautiful".
• 山々 - It means "mountains" or "mountain range".
• が - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• あります - It is a verb that means "to exist" or "to be present."