Translation and Meaning of: 車 - kuruma

The Japanese word 車[くるま] is one of those that every Japanese learner encounters early on, and it's not by chance. Present in daily life and Japanese culture, it represents an essential object in modern life: the car. But do you know all the details behind this term? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, usage, and even curiosities that go beyond the dictionary.

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese view cars in their daily lives or how to memorize this kanji efficiently, you are in the right place. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to go beyond simple translation, diving into the cultural and linguistic context that makes Japanese such a fascinating language.

The meaning and origin of 車[くるま]

The word 車[くるま] literally means "car" or "vehicle" in Japanese. Its kanji, 車, is one of the most iconic and easiest to recognize, thanks to its shape resembling a vehicle viewed from above. Interestingly, this character has its origins in ancient China, where it represented animal-drawn carriages, evolving to encompass modern automobiles.

In the Japanese language, くるま is a broad term that can refer to any type of wheeled vehicle, from bicycles to trucks. However, in everyday use, it is more commonly associated specifically with passenger cars. This semantic flexibility reflects how language adapts to technological changes without losing its historical essence.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, where public transportation is extremely efficient, cars play a different role than in many Western countries. While in large cities many people opt for trains and subways, in rural areas, the 車[くるま] becomes indispensable. This dynamic causes the word to carry cultural nuances depending on the context in which it is used.

It is worth noting that くるま frequently appears in animes, dramas, and Japanese music, often symbolizing freedom, travel, or even solitude. In Tokyo Revengers, for instance, car chase scenes help build tension, while in more poetic stories, a car may represent the journey of life. These uses show how an everyday object gains layers of meaning in pop culture.

Tips for memorizing and using 車[くるま]

For those learning Japanese, memorizing the kanji 車 can be easier than it seems. An effective technique is to associate its shape with the wheels of a car - the horizontal lines resemble axles, while the central vertical stroke represents the body of the vehicle. This visualization helps to solidify not only the writing but also the meaning behind the character.

When forming sentences, remember that くるま generally functions as a simple noun. Expressions like "車を運転する" (to drive a car) or "車を買いたい" (I want to buy a car) are practical examples of daily use. A common trap for beginners is to confuse 車 with 自動車[じどうしゃ], which is the more formal term for automobile – while the former is colloquial and versatile, the latter appears more in technical or official contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

自動車 (jidōsha) - Automobile, motor vehicle
カー (kā) - Car, usually used in English
車両 (sharyō) - Vehicle, transport equipment, used in a broader context
乗用車 (jōyōsha) - Passenger car
自家用車 (jikayōsha) - Private vehicle, used for personal use
自動車輌 (jidōsharyō) - Motor vehicle used in a railway or transport context
車体 (shatai) - Vehicle body structure
車種 (shashu) - Car category, type of vehicle
車型 (shagata) - Car model, specific design
車のモデル (kuruma no moderu) - Car model
車のブランド (kuruma no burando) - Car brand
車のメーカー (kuruma no mēkā) - Car manufacturer
車のタイプ (kuruma no taipu) - Car type (e.g.: sedan, SUV)
車の形状 (kuruma no keijō) - Car shape, exterior design
車の大きさ (kuruma no ōkisa) - Car size
車の色 (kuruma no iro) - Car color
車の性能 (kuruma no seino) - Car performance
車の価格 (kuruma no kakaku) - Car price
車の特徴 (kuruma no tokuchō) - Car characteristics
車の機能 (kuruma no kinō) - Functions of the car, equipment present
車の装備 (kuruma no sōbi) - Car equipment
車の運転 (kuruma no unten) - Car driving
車の操作 (kuruma no sōsa) - Car operation, handling

Related words

列車

resha

train (common)

発車

hasha

departure of a vehicle

歯車

haguruma

gear

電車

densha

eletric train

停車

teisha

Stopping (e.g. train)

駐車

chuusha

Parking (for example, car)

乗車

jyousha

taking a train; dragging

自転車

jitensha

bicycle

自動車

jidousha

Car

車輪

sharin

(car wheel

車

Romaji: kuruma
Kana: くるま
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: car; vehicle; wheel

Meaning in English: car;vehicle;wheel

Definition: Vehicle used as a means of transportation.

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How to Write in Japanese - (車) kuruma

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (車) kuruma:

Example Sentences - (車) kuruma

See below some example sentences:

この列車は直通で東京まで行きます。

Kono ressha wa chokutsū de Tōkyō made ikimasu

This train goes directly to Tokyo.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
列車 - noun meaning "train"
は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
直通 - adjective meaning "direct"
で - grammatical particle that indicates the means or instrument used
東京 - noun meaning "Tokyo"
まで - grammatical particle that indicates the limit or scope of an action
行きます - verb meaning "to go"

この列車は正確な軌道を保っています。

Kono ressha wa seikaku na kidō o tamotte imasu

This train is maintaining a precise trajectory.

This train maintains a precise orbit.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
列車 - noun meaning "train"
は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
正確な - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
軌道 - noun meaning "trajectory" or "orbit"
を - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
保っています - verb meaning "maintain" or "preserve" in the present continuous

この車はすぐに直る必要があります。

Kono kuruma wa sugu ni naoru hitsuyō ga arimasu

This car needs to be fixed immediately.

この車 - "This car" in Japanese
は - Japanese topic particle
すぐに - "Imediatamente" in Japanese
直る - "To be fixed" in Japanese
必要 - "Necessário" in Japanese
が - Subject particle in Japanese.
あります - "Existe" in Japanese (polite form)

スピードが速い車が好きです。

Supīdo ga hayai kuruma ga suki desu

I like fast cars.

I like cars that are fast.

スピードが速い - Fast speed
車 - car
好きです - taste

トラックは大きい車です。

Torakku wa ookii kuruma desu

A truck is a large car.

The truck is a large car.

トラック - Japanese word meaning "truck"
は - Japanese topic particle
大きい - Japanese adjective meaning "big"
車 - Japanese word meaning "car"
です - Japanese verb meaning "to be" or "to be", used to indicate a statement

モーターは車や機械に欠かせない重要な部品です。

Mōtā wa kuruma ya kikai ni kakasenai jūyōna bubun desu

The engine is an important and indispensable piece in cars and machines.

The engines are important pieces indispensable for cars and machines.

モーター - motor
は - Topic particle
車 - car
や - I'm sorry, but I need a text or string to translate from Portuguese to English. Please provide the content you'd like me to work on.
機械 - machine
に - target particle
欠かせない - indispensable
重要な - important
部品 - component
です - be (linking verb)