Translation and Meaning of: 白 - shiro

Have you ever wondered what the Japanese word 白[しろ] means and how it is used in everyday life? Whether for study or curiosity, understanding basic terms like this is essential for diving into the Japanese language and culture. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it easily. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary, Suki Nihongo provides detailed explanations and real examples to enrich your learning.

Meaning and translation of 白[しろ]

The word 白[しろ] means "white" in Portuguese and is one of the basic colors in the Japanese vocabulary. It describes both physical objects and abstract concepts associated with purity, clarity, or neutrality. Unlike some languages, Japanese uses 白 not only for colors but also in everyday expressions and even in proper names.

It is worth noting that 白 can appear in combinations with other kanjis, forming terms like 白紙[はくし] (blank sheet) or 白人[はくじん] (white person). These variations show how a simple word can gain different nuances depending on the context.

Origin and writing of the kanji 白

The kanji 白 has an interesting history. Its ancient form represented a grain of rice with an additional stroke, symbolizing "clarity" or "purity." Over time, this representation evolved into the current character, which retains the association with light and clarity. It is one of the first kanjis that students learn due to its visual simplicity and frequency of use.

In writing, 白 consists of 5 strokes and belongs to the group of basic kanji taught in Japanese schools. A helpful tip for memorizing it is to associate its shape with a small rising sun, as the color white often refers to brightness.

Cultural usage and common expressions

In Japan, 白 goes beyond just a color – it carries deep cultural meanings. In Shinto ceremonies, for example, white symbolizes purity and is often used in ritual clothing. In cuisine, dishes like 白米[はくまい] (white rice) highlight its importance in everyday life.

Additionally, expressions like 白状する[はくじょうする] (to confess) demonstrate how the word expands into other contexts. Even in the business world, terms like 白書[はくしょ] (white paper) appear in official documents. This versatility makes 白 a key word for anyone looking to better understand the Japanese language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• しろ (shiro) - white; referring to the color white, it can have connotations of purity or innocence.
• はく (haku) - white; used in specific contexts, such as expressions or combinations of words.
• びゃく (byaku) - white; usually used in more formal or technical terms.

白

Romaji: shiro
Kana: しろ
Type: Noun, adjective
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: white

Meaning in English: white

Definition: White: A color and one of the three primary colors of light.

Example Sentences - (白) shiro

See below some example sentences:

青白い肌が美しいです。

Aojiroi hada ga utsukushii desu

Pale skin is beautiful.

Pale skin is beautiful.

• 青白い (aojirai) - pale, whitish
• 肌 (hada) - pele
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 美しい (utsukushii) - pretty, beautiful
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

真っ白な雪が降っています。

Masshiro na yuki ga futteimasu

The snow is falling completely white.

It's pure white snow.

• 真っ白な (masshiro na) - adjective meaning "pure white"
• 雪 (yuki) - noun meaning "snow"
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 降っています (futteimasu) - verb meaning "is falling"

すんなりと彼女に告白できた。

Sun'nari to kanojo ni kokuhaku dekita

I managed to confess my feelings to her easily.

I managed to confess to her softly.

• すんなりと - adverb that indicates that something was done smoothly, without difficulties.
• 彼女に - particle that indicates that the action was directed towards "her", in this case, the girlfriend.
• 告白 - noun that means "confession", in this case, the confession of love.
• できた - verb that indicates that the action was completed, in this case, the confession was made.

面白い映画を見た。

Muzukashii eiga wo mita

I watched an interesting movie.

I saw an interesting movie.

• 面白い - interesting/fun
• 映画 - movie
• を - direct object particle
• 見た - saw (past tense of the verb "miru")

見せ物はとても面白かったです。

Misemono wa totemo omoshirokatta desu

The exhibition was very interesting.

The show was very interesting.

• 見せ物 (mizemono) - show
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 面白かった (omoshirokatta) - It was fun, interesting
• です (desu) - polite way of being

理科は面白いです。

Rika wa omoshiroi desu

Science is interesting.

Science is interesting.

• 理科 - means "science" in Japanese.
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "science".
• 面白い - adjective that means "interesting" or "fun".
• です - The word "ser" in Japanese, used to indicate the existence or quality of something.

明白に言ってください。

Meihaku ni itte kudasai

Please speak clearly.

Please say it clearly.

• 明白 - clear, evident
• に - particle that indicates the target or destination of the action
• 言って - form of the verb "to say" in the imperative
• ください - form of the verb "dar" in the imperative, used to make a polite request

日本の旗は白地に赤い円が描かれています。

Nihon no hata wa shiroji ni akai en ga egakarete imasu

The flag of Japan has a red circle designed on a white background.

The Japanese flag has a red circle on a white background.

• 日本の旗 - Flag of Japan
• は - Topic particle
• 白地 - White background
• に - Location particle
• 赤い - Red
• 円 - Circle
• が - Subject particle
• 描かれています - It's designed

化学は面白いです。

Kagaku wa omoshiroi desu

Chemistry is interesting.

Chemistry is interesting.

• 化学 - chemistry
• は - Topic particle
• 面白い - interesting
• です - the verb "to be" in polite form

なんか面白いことが起こるかもしれない。

Nanka omoshiroi koto ga okoru kamoshirenai

Something interesting might happen.

Something interesting might happen.

• なんか - Noun that indicates something vague or undefined.
• 面白い - adjective that means "interesting" or "fun".
• こと - Noun meaning "thing" or "fact".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 起こる - Verb that means "happen" or "occur".
• かもしれない - Expression that indicates possibility or uncertainty, equivalent to "perhaps" or "maybe".