Translation and Meaning of: 赤道 - sekidou

The Japanese word 赤道[せきどう] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses worth exploring. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your vocabulary and cultural knowledge. In this article, we will dive into the meaning, origin, and practical applications of this word, as well as discover how it is perceived in Japan.

Want to know how 赤道 is used in everyday life or why it has this specific writing? Here, you'll find clear answers and reliable information, without unnecessary complications. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, has gathered everything you need to know about this term in a straightforward and accessible manner.

Meaning and origin of 赤道

The word 赤道[せきどう] means "equator" in Japanese. It consists of two kanji: 赤 (red) and 道 (way). The combination may seem strange at first, but its origin dates back to the ancient Chinese astronomical concept, where the equator was viewed as an imaginary line dividing the sky into two parts, symbolically associated with the color red.

It is worth noting that, although the kanji 赤 means "red," in this context it is not directly related to the color. The choice of characters reflects a historical naming tradition, rather than a literal description. This type of construction is common in scientific and geographical terms in Japanese, which often inherited conventions from classical Chinese.

Everyday usage and frequency

In everyday life, 赤道 is not an extremely common word, but it appears regularly in educational contexts, such as geography lessons or discussions about climate. It also comes up in news related to natural phenomena, such as El Niño, which are directly linked to the dynamics of the equator.

A practical example of use can be found in phrases like "赤道直下の国" (countries located below the equator), which describe specific regions of the globe. Although it is not a term that Japanese people use every day, understanding it is important for those who wish to master the technical or academic vocabulary of the language.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember 赤道 is to associate the kanji 道 (path) with the idea of a line that runs across the planet. Meanwhile, 赤 can be linked to the intense heat of the equatorial regions, although this is just a mnemonic and not the actual etymological explanation. This visual association helps to cement the term in memory.

Interestingly, in Japan, the equator is not a topic as widely discussed as in countries located near it, but the term appears in educational materials and documentaries. For Japanese students, knowing 赤道 is particularly useful if the focus is on scientific or geopolitical content, where the term becomes more relevant.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 赤緯 (Akai) - Astronomical coordinate that indicates the position of a celestial object, similar to latitude on Earth.
• エクアトル (Ekutoru) - Equator; used to describe the line that divides the planet into hemispheres.

赤道

Romaji: sekidou
Kana: せきどう
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Ecuador

Meaning in English: equator

Definition: The Equator divides the Earth in half.

Example Sentences - (赤道) sekidou

See below some example sentences:

赤道は地球の中心に近い場所にあります。

Chikyuu no chuushin ni chikai basho ni arimasu

The equator is located near the center of the Earth.

• 赤道 - Ecuador
• は - Topic particle
• 地球 - Earth
• の - Possessive particle
• 中心 - Center
• に - Location particle
• 近い - Next
• 場所 - Place
• に - Location particle
• あります - Is