Translation and Meaning of: 風 - kaze
The Japanese word 風[かぜ] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It not only represents a natural phenomenon but also appears in everyday expressions, place names, and even artistic concepts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and how it is used in daily life by the Japanese. If you want to understand this word better or memorize it effectively, keep reading!
Meaning and usage of 風 [かぜ]
Kaze [風] means "wind" in Japanese, but its use goes beyond the literal definition. It describes everything from a gentle breeze to strong winds, depending on the context. In everyday conversations, it’s common to hear phrases like "今日は風が強い" (today the wind is strong) or "窓を開けて風を通す" (open the window to let the wind in).
Furthermore, 風 also appears in compound words, such as 台風[たいふう] (typhoon) and 風邪[かぜ] (cold). The latter, although written with the same kanji, has a slightly different pronunciation when used alone. This detail shows how Japanese can be full of nuances, even in seemingly simple terms.
Origin and writing of the kanji 風
The kanji 風 is composed of the radical 虫 (insect) and the component 凡 (ordinary). The etymology suggests that it originally represented the wind as something that "flies like an insect," a poetic image found in ancient Chinese texts. This character was incorporated into Japanese centuries ago and retains its basic form to this day.
In writing, it is important to pay attention to the order of the strokes, especially in the lower part of the kanji. A common mistake among students is to reverse the direction of the final "hook." Practicing with calligraphy exercises can help reinforce not only the form but also the meaning behind this symbol that is so present in the Japanese language.
Cultural curiosities about the wind in Japan
In Japan, the wind holds a profound cultural significance, appearing in haikus, paintings, and even train station names. For example, the expression 風の便り[かぜのたより] (news brought by the wind) refers to rumors or information that arrives indirectly. This type of metaphorical usage is common in Japanese literature and cinema.
Another interesting fact is that many local festivals celebrate wind as a purifying element, especially in autumn. The wind is also associated with changes, both climatic and symbolic, reinforcing the idea that nothing is permanent. For the Japanese, 風 is not just a natural phenomenon, but part of a worldview that values fluidity and transformation.
Vocabulary
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Synonyms and similar words
- かぜ (kaze) - Wind
- ふう (fuu) - Style; form; it can also mean wind in some contexts.
- かざ (kaza) - It has no specific meaning, but it can be part of compound words related to the wind.
- かぜいろ (kazeiro) - Color of the wind; a less common expression that can refer to a shade of color.
Related words
Romaji: kaze
Kana: かぜ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: wind; breeze
Meaning in English: wind;breeze
Definition: Phenomenon in which gases move in the atmosphere.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (風) kaze
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (風) kaze:
Example Sentences - (風) kaze
See below some example sentences:
Kaze ga tsuyoku natte kita
The wind is getting strong.
The wind is getting stronger.
- 風 - wind
- が - subject particle
- 強く - tightly
- なってきた - became
Furo ni hairitai desu
I want to take a shower.
I want to take a shower.
- 風呂 - bath
- に - particle that indicates the place where something is desired to be done
- 入りたい - want to enter
- です - particle indicating a polite assertion
Fūdo wa bunka o keisei suru jūyōna yōso desu
Conxon is an important factor in the formation of a culture.
- 風土 - Means "climate and soil" in Japanese, referring to the geographic characteristics of a region.
- 文化 - refers to the beliefs, values, customs and traditions of a group of people.
- 形成する - means "to form" or "mold" in Japanese, indicating that culture is influenced by the environment.
- 重要な - means "important" in Japanese, highlighting the relevance of the role of climate and soil in shaping culture.
- 要素 - means "element" in Japanese, referring to the components that make up something.
Tetsubashi wo wataru to kaze ga kokochi yoi desu
Crossing an iron bridge is pleasant with the wind.
The wind is comfortable when you cross the iron bridge.
- 鉄橋 - iron bridge
- を - object particle
- 渡る - pass through
- と - connecting particle
- 風 - wind
- が - subject particle
- 心地よい - pleasant, comfortable
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Tochuu de kaze wo hiite shimatta
I took a cold halfway.
I took a cold on the way.
- 途中で - "in the middle of the way"
- 風邪をひいてしまった - "I caught a cold"
Me ga mebuku haru no fuukei wa utsukushii desu
The spring landscape where the buds start to bloom is beautiful.
The spring scenery where the buds bloom is beautiful.
- 芽が芽吹く - shoots start to grow
- 春の - spring
- 風景は - landscape
- 美しいです - is beautiful
Happa ga kaze ni yurete iru
The leaves are fluttering to the wind.
The leaves are shaking in the wind.
- 葉っぱ (はっぱ) - leaf
- が - subject particle
- 風 (かぜ) - wind
- に - Location particle
- 揺れている (ゆれている) - it's tremendous
Midori no ha wa kaze ni yureru
The green leaves shake in the wind.
The green leaves tremble in the wind.
- 緑の葉 - "midori no ha" - Green leaves
- は - Topic particle
- 風 - "kaze" - wind
- に - target particle
- 揺れる - "yureru" - swing, oscillate
Ho ga kaze ni yureru
The ears swing in the wind.
The ears shake in the wind.
- 穂 (ho) - means "ear" or "bunch" and refers to the ears of rice or other grains.
- が (ga) - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
- 風 (kaze) - It means "wind".
- に (ni) - grammatical particle that indicates the direction or the target of the action.
- 揺れる (yureru) - verb that means "to sway" or "to move," in this case, the rice ears swaying in the wind.
Sawayaka na kaze ga fuku
The breeze is refreshing.
A refreshing wind above.
- 爽やかな - adjective that means refreshing, pleasant, cool
- 風 - substantive that means wind
- が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 吹く - verb that means to blow, to breeze
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
