Translation and Meaning of: 普通 - futsuu

The word 「普通」 (futsuu) is widely used in the Japanese language to express the idea of something common, normal, or usual. It is an everyday expression, often used to describe situations or behaviors that align with what is widely accepted or expected by society. The simplicity and frequency of use of the word make it an essential part of modern Japanese vocabulary.

Etymologically, 「普通」 is composed of two distinct kanji. The first, 「普」 (fu), means universal or general, and has the radical 「日」 which indicates its relationship with the concept of everyday or common. The second kanji, 「通」 (tsuu), carries the meaning of passing, communicating, or path, and includes the radical 「辶」 which is related to movement or progress. Together, these characters form an idea of something that is widely accepted or that travels a usual path.

The historical origin of 「普通」 dates back to the traditional use of kanjis as a means of recording and standardizing complex ideas in simplified characters. The combination of these two kanji already suggests the idea of normality and convention for several centuries, reflecting cultural nuances of Japan where harmony and social consensus are highly valued.

The contemporary use of 「普通」 in Japan goes beyond its simple meaning. It is often employed in social contexts to describe aspects that do not stand out or align with expectations. Additionally, 「普通」 is effectively applied in various fields, such as in transportation (with trains 「普通」 that stop at all stations), or even in food, to indicate normal options without special ingredients or preparations. Therefore, 「普通」 not only conveys an idea of normality but also reveals how deeply the notion of conformity is rooted in Japanese culture and language.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 平凡 (Heibon) - common, ordinary
• 一般的 (Ippanteki) - General, typical, usually used in a broader context
• ありふれた (Arihuteta) - Common, banal, used to describe something that is excessively common or lacking originality.

普通

Romaji: futsuu
Kana: ふつう
Type: Noun, adjective
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: 1. Usually; normally; generally; 2. Train that stops in all stations

Meaning in English: 1. generally;ordinarily;usually; 2. train that stops at every station

Definition: It's common. Ordinary.

Example Sentences - (普通) futsuu

See below some example sentences:

普通の人生を送りたいです。

Futsū no jinsei o okuritai desu

I want to live an ordinary life.

I want to live a normal life.

• 普通の - adjective meaning "normal"
• 人生 - substantive that means "life"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 送りたい - Verb in the desiderative form that means "want to send"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and respectful form of the sentence

至って普通の日です。

Atatte futsū no hi desu

It's a very ordinary day.

• 至って - adverb meaning "extremely" or "very"
• 普通 - adjective meaning "common" or "normal"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 日 - noun meaning "day"
• です - verb ser/estar in the present, indicating a statement or description