Translation and Meaning of: 秒 - byou

The Japanese word 「秒」 (byou) is commonly used to refer to "second" in the context of time. This term is essential both in everyday life and in more technical contexts, such as in the exact sciences. The simplicity of 「秒」 to describe a unit of time reflects the efficiency of the Japanese language in combining written characters with precise meanings.

Etymologically, 「秒」 is composed of two main meanings in kanji: the left part, called 「禾」, represents "grain" of rice or cereals, symbolizing a base, something everyday and essential. The right part, 「少」, is often associated with ideas of "few" or "small". The combination of these elements in kanji suggests an idea of a small unit, fundamental in defining the word as the smallest unit of time commonly used, the second.

The origin of the use of the second as a unit of measurement dates back to developments in timekeeping in ancient civilizations, but the specific kanji and its association with time measurement in Japan is closely linked to the modernization of Japan, when Western time measurement systems were adopted. This process of adoption and adaptation illustrates how Japan harmoniously integrated external influences within its rich cultural tradition.

In everyday use,「秒」appears in various expressions and combinations, such as「一秒」(ichibyou), which means "one second," or when we count intervals of ten seconds, like「十秒」(juubyou) for "ten seconds." Additionally, it is common in sports, scientific contexts, and in many other practical applications where precise timing is crucial.

With an importance that transcends contexts, from counting seconds on a stopwatch to precise measurements in scientific experiments, 「秒」 is a word that symbolizes the essentiality of precision and time in our perception and organization of life. Whether timing sporting events or setting clocks, the presence of 「秒」 is constant and vital for modern synchronization.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 秒針 (byoushin) - Second (ticks) of a clock
• 時間単位 (jikan tan'i) - Unit of time
• 一瞬 (isshun) - A moment; a fraction of a second
• 瞬間 (shunkan) - A moment; a short period of time
• 一秒間 (ichibyoukan) - One second (duration)
• 一秒 (ichibyou) - One second
• 1秒 (1 byou) - One second
• 1秒間 (1 byoukan) - One second (duration)

秒

Romaji: byou
Kana: びょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Second (60 minutes)

Meaning in English: second (60th min)

Definition: A unit of time, representing 1/60 of a minute.