Translation and Meaning of: 我 - waga

The Japanese word 「我」 (waga) is loaded with deep and historical meanings in the Japanese language. Originally, the character 「我」 is a Kanji of Chinese origin, used to represent the idea of "I" or "my". In the Chinese context, the Kanji symbolizes the notion of individuality and personal identity. In the Japanese language, the introduction of the Kanji retained this meaning, with cultural particularities that have transformed over the centuries.

Etymologically, 「我」 is composed of two main radicals: 「⿅」, which symbolizes a deer, and 「戈」, which represents a spear. The fusion of these elements initially has no direct relation to the modern meaning of "I", but in the evolution of Kanji, it symbolizes something valuable or precious, indicating the worth that a person can attribute to themselves. The term「わが」(waga) is a kun'yomi reading, which is the native form of Japanese pronunciation, highlighting its integration into Japanese phonology.

The use of the term 「わが」(waga) in modern Japanese is generally found in more poetic or formal contexts. It is often used to denote an intense personal connection or emotional possession, typically in phrases like "waga kuni" (my homeland) or "waga rudo" (my world). Although the word "waga" is not as present in everyday Japanese, it maintains its presence in speeches, literature, and even in Shintoism and ceremonies, symbolizing a personal or emotional attachment to something that is considered important or sacred.

Moreover, variations such as 「我が」(waga) express a strong emotional connection, emphasizing possession or identity with something or someone. This is particularly evident in historical and literary texts, where these expressions often appear to convey a sense of duty or personal pride. This application reflects the importance of the feelings of "belonging" and "origin" in Japanese culture, something that is highly valued and respected across generations. Thus, the word carries not just a simple sense of ownership but implies a complex and profound cultural significance.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 私 (Watashi) - I (neutral)
• 僕 (Boku) - I
• 俺 (Ore) - I (male, very informal)
• 自分 (Jibun) - myself
• 己 (Onore) - I (archaic, self-referential form)
• 我が身 (Wagami) - My body
• 我が (Waga) - My (literary possessive form)
• 我が家 (Wagaya) - my house
• 我が国 (Wagakuni) - My country
• 我が社 (Wagasha) - My company
• 我が校 (Wagakou) - My school
• 我が愛 (Wagai) - my love
• 我が命 (Wagakume) - My life
• 我が友 (Wagatomo) - My friend
• 我が敵 (Wagateki) - My enemy
• 我が子 (Wagako) - My children
• 我が妻 (Wagatsuma) - My wife
• 我が夫 (Wagotto) - My husband
• 我が両親 (Wagaryoushin) - My parents
• 我が祖国 (Wagazokukoku) - My homeland
• 我が祖先 (Wagasonsen) - My ancestors
• 我が運命 (Wagaunmei) - My destination
• 我が人生 (Wagajinsei) - My life

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我

Romaji: waga
Kana: わが
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: my; our

Meaning in English: my;our;one's own

Definition: A first person pronoun that refers to you or another person.

Example Sentences - (我) waga

See below some example sentences:

怪我をしないように気をつけてください。

Ki ga tsukete kudasai

Please be careful not to get hurt.

Be careful not to get hurt.

• 怪我 - injury
• を - object particle
• しない - negation of the verb "to do"
• ように - expression that indicates purpose or goal
• 気をつけて - verb "to be careful"
• ください - verb "to give", used as polite request

小便を我慢するのは辛いです。

Shouben wo gaman suru no wa tsurai desu

It is painful to endure urination.

It is painful to endure urination.

• 小便 - urine
• を - object particle
• 我慢する - endure, withstand
• のは - particle that indicates topic
• 辛い - difficult, painful
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

我々の戦力は強力です。

Wareware no senryoku wa kyōryoku desu

Our strength is mighty.

• 我々の戦力 - "Our combat force"
• は - Topic particle
• 強力 - "Powerful"
• です - polite way of "to be"

我慢は美徳です。

Gaman wa bitoku desu

Patience is a virtue.

Patience is virtue.

• 我慢 (gaman) - patience, tolerance
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 美徳 (bitoku) - virtue, merit
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

我が家は静かです。

Wagaya wa shizuka desu

My house is quiet.

• 我が家 - It means "my house" in Japanese.
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 静か - "quiet" in Japanese means 静か (shizuka).
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating the current state of the house

私は我がままです。

Watashi wa wagamama desu

I am selfish.

I am myself.

• 私 (watashi) - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 我がまま (wagamama) - an expression that means "selfish" or "capricious" in Japanese
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense of the sentence

本国の文化は多様で美しいです。

Honkoku no bunka wa tayou de utsukushii desu

The culture of the home country is diverse and beautiful.

• 本国 - It means "country of origin" or "home country".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 文化 - refers to the culture of a people or nation.
• は - particle that indicates the main theme of the sentence.
• 多様 - means "diverse" or "varied".
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done.
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite or formal form.