Translation and Meaning of: 軒 - noki

The Japanese word 軒 (のき) may seem simple, but it carries interesting meanings and uses in everyday Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding terms like this helps you dive deeper into the culture and real communication. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical use of 軒, as well as tips for memorizing it and curiosities that make this word unique.

Meaning and usage of 軒 (のき)

軒, read as のき (noki), refers to the part of the house that protrudes outward, commonly known as "eaves." This structure protects the walls and windows from rain and sun, being typical in traditional Japanese buildings. Additionally, 軒 can also be used to count houses or commercial establishments, as in 一軒家 (いっけんや, a detached house) or 三軒茶屋 (さんげんぢゃや, a famous neighborhood in Tokyo).

In broader contexts, the word appears in expressions like 軒並み (のきなみ), which means "in a row" or "one after another," referring to aligned houses. This usage demonstrates how everyday Japanese language is deeply connected to architecture and urban space.

Origin and writing of the kanji 軒

The kanji 軒 is composed of two radicals: 車 (which represents "car" or "vehicle") and 干 (which can mean "dry" or "interfere"). The combination suggests a structure that "protects" or "covers," just as an eaves protects a house. Historically, this character was used in China before being incorporated into Japanese, retaining its meaning related to constructions.

Although it is not one of the most frequently used kanjis in daily life, 軒 appears in place names and fixed expressions. Its kun'yomi reading (のき) is more common, but it can also be read as "ken" in compounds, such as in 軒数 (けんすう, "number of houses").

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember the meaning of 軒 is to associate it with images of traditional Japanese houses, with their wide eaves. This type of architecture is common in temples and old residences, such as those seen in Kyoto. Another tip is to practice with compound words, like 軒先 (のきさき, "eaves edge"), which help to reinforce the vocabulary.

Interestingly, in some regional dialects, のき may have slightly different pronunciations, but the meaning remains the same. Additionally, the term is often used in literature and media to describe urban or rural scenarios, reinforcing its cultural importance.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 屋根 (yane) - roof
• 家屋 (kaoku) - Residential building
• 家 (ie) - House (simple structure)
• 建物 (tatemono) - Building (in general)
• 住宅 (juutaku) - Residence (formal housing)
• 戸建て (kodate) - Single-family house
• 間取り (madori) - Room layout

軒

Romaji: noki
Kana: のき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Beirais

Meaning in English: eaves

Definition: The area between the entrance of the building and the adjacent porta.

Example Sentences - (軒) noki

See below some example sentences:

私の家の軒は赤いです。

Watashi no ie no noki wa akai desu

The eave of my house is red.

The eaves of my house are red.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 家 - noun that means "house"
• 軒 - noun that means "eaves" or "roof"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 赤い - adjective that means "red"
• です - verb indicating "to be" or "to exist" in a polite form

軒並み値上げされた。

Kubanami neage sareta

The price has been increased on all houses.

The price has been raised all over the place.

• 軒並み - means "in general" or "in every house"
• 値上げ - means "price increase"
• された - is the passive form of the verb "to do" or "to be done"

The full sentence means "Prices have risen in general".