Translation and Meaning of: 旅 - tabi

The Japanese word 旅 (たび) carries a deep and culturally rich meaning, going beyond the simple translation of "journey." In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in Japan, from its everyday use to compound expressions and curiosities. Whether you are learning Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding 旅 can open doors to a more authentic view of the Japanese mindset.

In addition to being a common word in daily vocabulary, 旅 is connected to concepts such as journey, discovery, and even personal reflection. Let's see how it appears in different contexts, from informal conversations to traditional proverbs. If you want to memorize it easily or discover how to use it correctly, keep reading!

Meaning and origin of 旅 (たび)

旅 is often translated as "journey", but its meaning goes beyond physical movement. In Japan, it carries the idea of a journey, whether to explore new places or for personal growth. Unlike 旅行 (りょこう), which refers to more organized trips, 旅 has a more introspective and personal tone.

Regarding its origin, the kanji 旅 is composed of the radical 方 (side/direction) and 衣 (clothing), suggesting the idea of someone dressing to depart. Historically, it was associated with pilgrimages and long journeys, often solitary. This root still influences its modern use, giving it a more poetic and philosophical air than other similar words.

Everyday use and common expressions

In daily life, Japanese people use 旅 in various contexts. It can range from a simple weekend trip to a spiritual journey. Phrases like 旅に出る (たびにでる - to set out on a journey) are common, showing that the word retains its sense of adventure and discovery.

There are also popular expressions that include 旅, such as 旅の恥はかき捨て (たびのはじはかきすて), a proverb that means "the shame of travel can be left behind." This reflects the idea that traveling allows for new beginnings, a concept valued in Japanese culture. Another example is 一人旅 (ひとりたび - solo travel), which highlights independence and self-discovery.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An easy way to remember 旅 is to associate it with the kanji 方 (direction) and think of "following a path." Another tip is to link the word to songs or animes that use it, like the famous theme "旅の途中" (たびのとちゅう) by the band Suneohair, which talks about emotional journeys.

Interestingly, 旅 also appears in terms like 旅館 (りょかん - traditional inn), highlighting its connection to Japanese hospitality culture. If you have ever visited a ryokan, you noticed how the experience goes beyond a simple stay – it is an immersion in the local history and customs, reinforcing the deeper meaning of 旅.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 旅行 (Ryokou) - Travel, the act of traveling.
• 旅先 (Tabisaki) - Destination of the trip.
• 旅路 (Tabiji) - Path or journey of the trip.
• 旅立ち (Tabidachi) - Departure for a trip.
• 旅情 (Tabijou) - Feelings or emotions related to travel.

旅

Romaji: tabi
Kana: たび
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: travel; trip; journey

Meaning in English: travel;trip;journey

Definition: Trip: Going to a new place.

Example Sentences - (旅) tabi

See below some example sentences:

航空会社は旅行者にとって重要な存在です。

Koukuu kaisha wa ryokousha ni totte juuyou na sonzai desu

Airlines are an important presence for travelers.

The airline is important for travelers.

• 航空会社 - airline
• は - Topic particle
• 旅行者 - traveler
• にとって - for
• 重要な - important
• 存在 - existence
• です - Verb "to be"

私は旅券を持っています。

Watashi wa ryokan o motte imasu

I have a passport.

I have a passport.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 旅券 (ryokken) - noun meaning "passport"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "passport"
• 持っています (motteimasu) - verb that means "to have" or "to possess" in the present

新婚旅行は楽しいですね。

Shinkon ryokou wa tanoshii desu ne

Honeymoon is fun

The honeymoon is fun.

• 新婚旅行 - Means "honeymoon" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "honeymoon".
• 楽しい - adjective meaning "fun" or "pleasant."
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.
• ね - final particle that indicates a rhetorical question or a confirmation of what has been said.

旅客は新幹線で旅行します。

Ryokaku wa shinkansen de ryokou shimasu

Passengers travel by bullet train.

Passengers travel by Shinkansen.

• 旅客 (ryokaku) - passenger
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 新幹線 (shinkansen) - bullet-train
• で (de) - Location particle
• 旅行 (ryokou) - trip
• します (shimasu) - verb "to do" in polite form

日帰り旅行が楽しいです。

Nikkari ryokou ga tanoshii desu

Day trips are enjoyable.

A day trip is fun.

• 日帰り旅行 - One-day trip
• が - Subject particle
• 楽しい - Funny
• です - polite way of being

寝台列車は快適な旅を提供します。

O trem

bed offers comfortable travel

Sleeping trains offer a comfortable ride.

• 寝台列車 - sleeper train
• は - Topic particle
• 快適な - comfortable
• 旅 - trip
• を - direct object particle
• 提供します - to supply

人生は果てることのない旅路です。

Jinsei wa hateru koto no nai tabiji desu

Life is an endless journey.

Life is an endless journey.

• 人生 (jinsei) - Life
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 果てる (hateru) - finish, end
• こと (koto) - Thing, fact
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• ない (nai) - Negative
• 旅路 (tabiji) - Journey, trip
• です (desu) - polite way of being

今回の旅行は楽しかったです。

Konnkai no ryokou wa tanoshikatta desu

The trip this time was fun.

This trip was fun.

• 今回の旅行 - this trip(trip this time)
• は - wa(topic particle)
• 楽しかった - tanoshikatta(it was fun)
• です - desu(verb to be/estar in the present tense)

この旅の起点はここです。

Kono tabi no kiten wa koko desu

Here is the starting point of this trip.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 旅 - noun that means "trip"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 起点 - Noun meaning "starting point"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• ここ - noun that means "here"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

スーツケースを持って旅行に行く。

Sūtsukēsu o motte ryokō ni iku

Take a trip with a suitcase.

• スーツケース - suitcase
• を - object particle
• 持って - verb "to have" conjugated in the gerund
• 旅行 - trip
• に - target particle
• 行く - verb "to go" conjugated in the present tense