Translation and Meaning of: 蔵 - kura

The Japanese word 蔵[くら] is a term that carries deep meanings and important cultural connections in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding what this word represents can open doors to a better understanding of Japanese society and history. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 蔵, along with interesting facts that make this word fascinating.

蔵 is often associated with warehouses, barns, or even hidden treasures, but its meaning goes beyond the literal. In a cultural context, it appears in expressions, names of establishments, and even in literature. If you have ever wondered how to memorize this kanji or in what situations it is used in everyday Japanese life, keep reading to find out!

Meaning and usage of 蔵 in Japanese

In its most basic form, 蔵 means "warehouse" or "depot." This is the most common meaning found in everyday life, especially in cities where traditional buildings used to store food, such as rice and sake, still exist. However, depending on the context, the word can take on different nuances.

In some cases, 蔵 is also used to refer to valuable collections, such as works of art or historical documents. Japanese companies that produce sake, for example, often include 蔵 in their names, reinforcing the idea of tradition and quality. If you visit Japan, you will see this word on the facades of old establishments, indicating places that preserve ancestral knowledge.

Origin and writing of the kanji 蔵

The kanji 蔵 is composed of the radicals 艹 (related to plants) and 臧 (which has to do with hiding or protecting). This combination suggests the idea of something kept or preserved, like grains stored for the winter. The reading くら (kura) is the most common, but this kanji can also be read as ぞう (zou) in compound words, such as 貯蔵 (ちょぞう / chozou), which means "storage."

One tip for memorizing this kanji is to associate it with the image of a barn full of bags of rice. Visualizing the scene helps to fix not only the meaning but also the writing. Additionally, the radical 艹 appears in other kanjis related to plants and growth, which can be helpful for those learning several characters at the same time.

蔵 in Japanese culture and society

In Japan, 蔵 is not just a word from everyday vocabulary – it is associated with values such as preservation and tradition. Many old families have a 蔵 on their properties, used to store important items or even as additional space. In rural areas, these places are essential for food preservation.

Moreover, 蔵 often appears in Japanese media, such as in animes and dramas that portray rural life or stories of traditional families. If you watch Japanese productions, you have probably come across this word at some point. Recognizing it can enhance your experience and deepen your understanding of the nuances of the language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 倉 (kurā) - warehouse; depot
• 库 (kù) - deposit; warehouse (mainly used in Chinese)
• 庫 (kura) - warehouse; barn (used in Japanese, bringing a more traditional connotation)
• ソウ (sō) - used in compound words related to warehouses or depots

蔵

Romaji: kura
Kana: くら
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: storage; wine House; magazine; Granary; Godown; depositary; treasure; elevator

Meaning in English: warehouse;cellar;magazine;granary;godown;depository;treasury;elevator

Definition: A place to store things and materials.

Example Sentences - (蔵) kura

See below some example sentences:

貯蔵庫には大切な品がたくさんあります。

Chozouko ni wa taisetsu na shina ga takusan arimasu

There are many important items stored in the warehouse.

There are many important items in storage.

• 貯蔵庫 - Warehouse, storage
• に - particle indicating location
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 大切な - important, valuable
• 品 - object, item
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん - many
• あります - verb "existir" in the present tense

蔵にはたくさんの宝物があります。

Kura ni wa takusan no takaramono ga arimasu

There are many treasures in the warehouse.

There are many treasures in the warehouse.

• 蔵 (kura) - means "warehouse" or "storage".
• に (ni) - is a particle that indicates the location of the object of the sentence, in this case, the warehouse.
• は (wa) - is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case the warehouse.
• たくさんの (takusan no) - means "many" or "a lot".
• 宝物 (takaramono) - means "treasure" or "valuables".
• が (ga) - is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, the treasures.
• あります (arimasu) - is a verb meaning "to exist" or "to have".

冷蔵庫に食材を入れてください。

Reizouko ni shokuzai wo irete kudasai

Please put the ingredients in the fridge.

Put the ingredients in the fridge.

• 冷蔵庫 (reizouko) - refrigerator
• に (ni) - Location particle
• 食材 (shokuzai) - food ingredients
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 入れて (irete) - put inside
• ください (kudasai) - Please

この地域には多くの埋蔵物があると言われています。

Kono chiiki ni wa ooku no maizou butsu ga aru to iwarete imasu

They say there are many items buried in this area.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 地域 - noun that means "region" or "area"
• には - particle that indicates the location or the time when something happens
• 多く - adverb that means "many" or "much"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 埋蔵物 - noun that means "buried treasure" or "ancient artifact"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to be present"
• と - particle that indicates the citation of a phrase or idea
• 言われています - verb that means "to say" or "to assert" in the past and present

冷蔵庫には食べ物を入れておきます。

Reizouko ni wa tabemono wo irete okimasu

Put the food in the refrigerator.

• 冷蔵庫 (reizouko) - refrigerator
• には (ni wa) - indicates where something is placed (in this case, inside the refrigerator)
• 食べ物 (tabemono) - food
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 入れて (irete) - verb "colocar" in the present tense and continuous form
• おきます (okimasu) - verb "deixar" in the present tense and polite form