Translation and Meaning of: 炭鉱 - tankou

The Japanese word 炭鉱 [たんこう] may not be one of the most common in everyday vocabulary, but it carries a significant historical and industrial meaning. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about specific terms, understanding what this word represents and how it is used can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and cultural context, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

炭鉱 consists of two kanji: 炭 (coal) and 鉱 (mine), forming the term that refers to a coal mine. Although it is not often used in everyday conversations, its presence in historical texts, news, or discussions about energy is still significant. Let's dive into the details of this word and discover how it fits into the Japanese language and culture.

Meaning and use of 炭鉱

The term 炭鉱 is used to describe locations where mineral coal is extracted. In Japan, coal mines played a significant role during the Industrial Revolution and in the post-war period, boosting the country's economy. Although many have closed due to the transition to other energy sources, the term still appears in historical contexts or discussions about energy.

An interesting fact is that some old coal mines in Japan have been transformed into museums or tourist attractions, such as the Miike Coal Mine in Fukuoka, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This shows how the word 炭鉱 is linked not only to industry but also to the preservation of cultural memory.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 炭鉱 is formed by the combination of two kanji: 炭 (coal) and 鉱 (mine). The first, 炭, represents vegetable or mineral coal, while the second, 鉱, is related to mining and extraction of metals. Together, they form a word that clearly describes the place from which coal is extracted.

It is worth mentioning that 鉱 can also appear in other words related to mining, such as 鉱山 (mine in general) or 金鉱 (gold mine). This structure of kanji composition is common in Japanese, allowing the creation of specific terms from known radicals.

Tips for memorizing 炭鉱

An effective way to memorize 炭鉱 is to associate the kanjis that compose it with concrete images. For example, 炭 (coal) can be remembered by the radical 火 (fire), present in its upper component. On the other hand, 鉱 (mine) contains the radical 石 (stone), which refers to the idea of mineral extraction. Visualizing these elements can help solidify the meaning of the word.

Another strategy is to use the word in context. Sentences like "日本にはかつて多くの炭鉱があった" (Japan once had many coal mines) can enhance learning. If you enjoy history or geography, researching about the old Japanese mines can also make the term more memorable.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 煤鉱 (Suikou) - Coal ore; a source of coal extraction.
• 鉱山 (Kouzan) - Mining; a place where minerals are extracted, including coal.
• 採炭場 (Saitanjou) - Location of coal extraction; subcategorizes specific coal mines.
• 炭坑 (Tankou) - Coal mineral; a location specifically designated for the extraction of coal.
• 炭田 (Tandate) - Coal field; area where there are coal deposits for extraction.

炭鉱

Romaji: tankou
Kana: たんこう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: coal mine; coal

Meaning in English: coal mine;coal pit

Definition: It refers to installations and underground coal mining operations.

Example Sentences - (炭鉱) tankou

See below some example sentences:

炭鉱は地下深くにあります。

Chouko wa chika fukaku ni arimasu

The coal mine is deep underground.

• 炭鉱 - coal mine
• は - Topic particle
• 地下 - basement
• 深く - deeply
• に - Location particle
• あります - is located