Translation and Meaning of: 妙 - myou

The Japanese word 「妙」 (myou) is a term that captures a sense of charm and uniqueness that is often both enchanting and subtle at the same time. The etymology of this word traces back to the Kanji 「妙」, which is composed of two radicals: the radical 女 (onnna), meaning "woman," and the radical 少 (shou), meaning "little" or "light." This combination brings to mind a lightness or delicacy associated with something charming or mysterious. It is worth mentioning that these radicals evoke a characteristic of fine sensitivity or delicacy, often associated with feminine qualities.

In the broadest sense, 「妙」 can be translated as "strange," "subtle," "strangely wonderful," or even "miraculous." The application of the term varies according to context, but the feeling of something that is notably distinct or intriguing persists in its multiple interpretations. For example, when something is described as 「妙」, it may indicate a situation or object that is both unusual and fascinating.

Historically, this Kanji has connections with philosophical and religious concepts, especially within Buddhism, where 「妙」 often appears in sacred texts with the meaning of "ineffable" or "wonderful." This usage reflected in religious writings suggests something that is beyond ordinary understanding – an aspect of reality that is profound and, at the same time, auspicious.

In linguistic terms, the word 「妙」 also appears in combination with other words to form terms that expand its meaning. For example, 「妙案」 (myouan) means a "good idea" or "ingenious solution," and 「妙技」 (myougi) refers to a "wonderfully refined skill." These combinations illustrate how 「妙」 can be integrated into a broader context to express nuances of excellence and unexpected creativity.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 奇妙 (Kimyō) - Strange, curious
• 不思議 (Fushigi) - Incredible, wonderful, inexplicable
• 神秘 (Shinpi) - Mysterious, divine
• 奇異 (Kii) - Extraordinary, rare
• 奇怪 (Kikai) - Strange, anomalous
• 奇特 (Kitetu) - Particular, peculiar
• 奇妙無比 (Kimyōmuhi) - Unparalleled, unmatched
• 奇妙絕倫 (Kimyōjakurun) - Unmatched, unique in its singularity
• 奇妙非常 (Kimyōhijō) - Extremely curious, remarkable
• 奇妙極品 (Kimyōgokuhin) - Product of exceptional quality

妙

Romaji: myou
Kana: みょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Strange; unusual

Meaning in English: strange;unusual

Definition: Myo: Something unusual and mysterious. strange.

Example Sentences - (妙) myou

See below some example sentences:

この詐欺は巧妙に計画されていた。

Kono sagi wa kōmyō ni keikaku sarete ita

This coup was carefully planned.

This coup was cleverly planned.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 詐欺 - noun "fraud, scam"
• は - Topic particle
• 巧妙に - adverb "skillfully, cunningly"
• 計画されていた - verb "to be planned" conjugated in the past progressive

この料理は微妙な味がする。

Kono ryōri wa bimyō na aji ga suru

This food has a subtle flavor.

This dish has a subtle flavor.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 料理 - noun meaning "cuisine" or "dish".
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 微妙 - adjective meaning "subtle" or "delicate".
• な - particle that connects the adjective to the noun.
• 味 - noun meaning "taste".
• が - subject particle that indicates who does the action.
• する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish".

スタンドはジョジョの奇妙な冒険に出てくる重要な要素です。

Sutando wa Jojo no Kimyō na Bōken ni detekuru jūyōna yōso desu

The booth is a major factor in JoJo's strange adventure.

• スタンド - word in Japanese that refers to a supernatural power present in the series Jojo's Bizarre Adventure.
• ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 - title of the manga and anime series created by Hirohiko Araki.
• 出てくる - verb in Japanese that means "to appear" or "to emerge".
• 重要な - adjective in Japanese meaning "important".
• 要素 - noun in Japanese that means "element" or "component".
• です - auxiliary verb in Japanese that indicates an affirmation or a statement.

妙な感じですね。

Myō na kanji desu ne

It's a strange feeling.

• 妙な - strange, peculiar
• 感じ - sensation, feeling
• です - Verb ser/estar (polite form)
• ね - confirmation or rhetorical particle