Translation and Meaning of: 波 - nami

The Japanese word 波[なみ] is a fascinating term that carries both literal and symbolic meanings. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding the usage and origin of this word can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore the meaning of 波, its writing in kanji, practical examples, and even how it appears in Japanese culture. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides this information so you can learn clearly and directly.

In addition to meaning "wave" in the physical sense, like those of the sea, 波 can also be used metaphorically in everyday expressions. Does it appear in animes or Japanese proverbs? How can we memorize this kanji efficiently? Let's unravel all of this throughout the text, always based on reliable sources and accurate information.

Meaning and writing of 波[なみ]

The kanji 波 is composed of two main elements: the water radical (氵) and the component 皮, which historically refers to the idea of something that spreads or moves. Together, they form the visual representation of a wave, whether in the sea or in other contexts. This combination is not random—it reflects the connection between the movement of water and the very essence of the word.

In Japanese, なみ can refer to both ocean waves and repetitive patterns, such as "heat waves" (熱波) or even "shock waves" (衝撃波). The versatility of this word makes it common in daily life, appearing in news, conversations, and even artistic expressions. Its use goes beyond the literal, often symbolizing changes or fluctuations, whether in weather, society, or emotions.

Cultural usage and common expressions

In Japan, waves have a deep meaning, especially in traditions such as ukiyo-e art, where the famous painting "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" depicts the power of nature. The word 波 appears in contexts ranging from weather forecasts to proverbs, such as "波に乗る" (literally "ride the wave"), which means to seize an opportunity or trend.

Moreover, 波 is often used in combinations with other kanjis to form specific terms. For example, "音波" (sound waves) and "電波" (radio waves) are technical words derived from this root. Even in the world of sports, like surfing, it appears in phrases like "波が高い" (the waves are high), showing how it is rooted in everyday life.

Tips for memorizing the kanji 波

An effective way to remember the kanji 波 is to associate its water radical (氵) with the main meaning—waves are, after all, a movement of water. The component 皮 can be linked to the idea of something that "unrolls" or propagates, like the waves of the sea. This visual decomposition helps to solidify the writing and meaning of the word.

Another tip is to practice with compound words that use 波, such as "波浪" (ocean waves) or "波動" (fluctuation). By seeing the kanji in different contexts, it becomes easier to recognize it in texts and conversations. If you enjoy animes or dramas, pay attention when the word appears—the learning process becomes more natural when associated with real situations or narratives.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• うねり ( uneri ) - Undulation, movement of the waves.
• 潮 ( shio ) - Surf, ocean current.
• うみ ( umi ) - Sea, ocean.
• なみ ( nami ) - Wave, wave of the sea.
• さざなみ ( sazanami ) - Small waves, gentle swell.
• さざ波 ( sazawake ) - Small waves, similar to "さざなみ" but generally used in more poetic contexts.
• しぶき ( shibuki ) - Squall, sea spray, especially from the ocean.
• しぶき立つ ( shibuki tatsu ) - Raise spray, the action of water being spread with force.
• しぶき上げる ( shibuki ageru ) - Raise spray, the action of elevating water in the form of a spray.
• しぶき上がる ( shibuki agaru ) - The spray rises, focus on the result of the spray's elevation.
• しぶき飛び散る ( shibuki tobi chiru ) - Spray that spreads, the action of spray dispersing.
• しぶき跳ねる ( shibuki haneru ) - Spray that jumps, emphasis on active movement.
• しぶき立ち上がる ( shibuki tachiagaru ) - Spray that rises, connotation of emerging from impact.
• しぶき上げよう ( shibuki ageyou ) - Let's raise the spray, call to action.
• しぶき上がろう ( shibuki agarou ) - Let's watch the spray rise, an invitation to observe.
• しぶき立てよう ( shibuki tateyou ) - Let's raise the spray, an invitation for collective action.

波

Romaji: nami
Kana: なみ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: nod

Meaning in English: wave

Definition: Continuous vibrations that occur on the surface of water or in the atmosphere.

Example Sentences - (波) nami

See below some example sentences:

波が大きいですね。

Nami ga ookii desu ne

The waves are big

The waves are big.

• 波 (nami) - wave
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大きい (ookii) - large
• です (desu) - verb ser/estar (polite form)
• ね (ne) - confirmation/emphasis particle

この場所は電波が弱いです。

Kono basho wa denpa ga yowai desu

This place has a weak signal.

This place has weak radio waves.

• この場所 - kono basho - this place
• は - wa - Topic particle
• 電波 - denpa - radio signal
• が - ga - subject particle
• 弱い - yowai - weak
• です - is (a Japanese copula, often used to indicate a state of being) Verb to be/estar in the present