Translation and Meaning of: ビル - biru

The Japanese word 「ビル」 (biru) has its roots in the English word "building," which means building. The adoption of foreign terms in Japan is common, a phenomenon known as gairaigo. The introduction of 「ビル」 into the Japanese language highlights the Western influence on the development of modern architecture in Japan, especially during the Meiji Restoration period (1868-1912), when the country began to modernize its infrastructure.

Although 「ビル」 is used to refer to buildings in general, it is often applied to describe commercial or large buildings, such as offices and shopping centers. This specific usage reflects the transformation of the Japanese urban space, where many of these buildings symbolize economic growth and modernization. The terminology associated with architecture and urbanism is essential in contemporary society, as the density of Japanese cities is remarkable.

Cultural Aspects

• Modernity: The 「ビル」 are often seen as icons of modernity in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
• Urban Space: They are a reflection of the adaptation in the use of space in a limited urban environment.
• Functionality: Often designed to be multifunctional, housing offices, shops, and even residences.

Moreover, the word 「ビル」 (biru) can also be combined with other terms to form related expressions. For example, 「オフィスビル」 (ofisu biru) refers to an "office building." This shows how the use of foreign words has integrated into the Japanese language and culture, creating a specific vocabulary adapted to the local reality. Thus, the term not only describes a physical structure but also reflects ever-changing social and economic habits.

Therefore, the word 「ビル」 (biru) is more than just a simple term; it encapsulates the intersection of cultures and the evolution of inhabited space in Japan. With the continuous growth of cities and constant innovation in architecture, it is likely that the use and importance of this term will remain relevant in everyday language.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• ビル (biru) - Modern building, usually multi-storey.
• 建物 (tatemono) - Structure or construction, a generic term for buildings.
• 高層ビル (kōsō biru) - Tall building, often used in urban contexts.
• タワー (tawā) - Tower, often used to describe tall and slender structures, such as telecommunications towers.

ビル

Romaji: biru
Kana: ビル
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: construction; Bill

Meaning in English: building;bill

Definition: Arranha-céus.

Example Sentences - (ビル) biru

See below some example sentences:

ビルは高いです。

Biru wa takai desu

The building is high.

The building is expensive.

• ビル - Japanese word meaning "building"
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "building"
• 高い - adjective in Japanese that means "tall"
• です - verb of ser/estar in Japanese, which indicates that "building" is "tall"

彼は高いビルから街を見下ろしていた。

Kare wa takai biru kara machi o mioroshite ita

He was looking at the city on top of a high building.

He looked at the city of a high building.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 高い (takai) - tall (adjective)
• ビル (biru) - building (noun)
• から (kara) - of, from (particle)
• 街 (machi) - city ​​(noun)
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 見下ろしていた (mioroshiteita) - was looking down (verb in past progressive tense)

警備員がビルの入り口で見張っています。

Keibiin ga biru no iriguchi de mihotteimasu

Security guards are watching at the entrance of the building.

• 警備員 - Security guard
• が - Subject particle
• ビル - building
• の - Possessive particle
• 入り口 - Prohibited
• で - Location particle
• 見張っています - Is watching