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:

この番組は面白いですね。

Kono bangumi wa omoshiroi desu ne

this program is interesting

This program is interesting.

• この - this
• 番組 - program
• は - Topic particle
• 面白い - interesting/fun
• です - verb ser/estar (polite)
• ね - confirmation particle

この作家の小説はとても面白いです。

Kono sakka no shousetsu wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This writer's novel is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative indicating proximity, in this case "this"
• 作家 - noun that means "writer"
• の - particle indicating possession, in this case "of"
• 小説 - noun that means "romance" or "novel"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - adjective meaning "interesting" or "fun"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the present, in this case, "é"

この喜劇はとても面白いです。

Kono kigeki wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This comedy is very funny.

This comedy is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative determiner meaning "this"
• 喜劇 - Noun that means "comedy"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - adjective meaning "interesting" or "fun"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

このシリーズはとても面白いです。

Kono shirīzu wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This series is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• シリーズ - noun "series"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 面白い - adjective "interesting/fun"
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form

この文章はとても面白いです。

Kono bunshou wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This sentence is very interesting.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 文章 - Noun that means "text" or "written document".
• は - Particle that marks the topic of the sentence.
• とても - Adverb meaning "a lot".
• 面白い - adjective that means "interesting" or "fun".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

この仕掛けはとても面白いですね。

Kono shikake wa totemo omoshiroi desu ne

This trick is very interesting

This device is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 仕掛け - noun that means "device" or "mechanism"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - adjective meaning "interesting" or "fun"
• です - verb to be or to be in the polite form
• ね - final particle indicating confirmation or search for agreement

この本はとても面白いです。

Kono hon wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This book is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - The adjective that means "interesting/fun" is "面白い" (omoshiroi).
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form

白髪が増えてきた。

Shiraga ga fuete kita

My white hair is increasing.

The gray hair increased.

• 白髪 - White hair
• が - subject particle
• 増えてきた - increased / are increasing

白い雲が空に浮かんでいる。

Shiroi kumo ga sora ni ukande iru

A white cloud is floating in the sky.

• 白い - adjective that means "white"
• 雲 - noun meaning "cloud"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 空 - noun meaning "heaven"
• に - particle indicating the place where something is happening
• 浮かんでいる - verb meaning "floating" (in present continuous)

私は彼女に告白した。

Watashi wa kanojo ni kokuhaku shita

I confessed my feelings to her.

I confessed to her.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 彼女 - noun meaning "she"
• に - particle that indicates the target of the action, in this case, "for her"
• 告白 - noun that means "confession"
• した - verb "suru" in the past tense, which means "did"