Translation and Meaning of: 冬 - fuyu

The Japanese word 「冬」 (fuyu) means "winter" and is one of the four seasons of the year in Japan. This word is represented by the kanji 「冬」, which conveys the concept of cold and is associated with the time of year characterized by low temperatures, shorter days, and in some regions of Japan, snow. The importance of the season is highlighted in Japanese culture, where each season has its own symbolism and beauty.

Etymologically, 「冬」 consists of three main parts: the radical "冫" (nisui), which is an abbreviated form of the kanji "氷", meaning ice, alluding to the cold. The rest of the kanji suggests the idea of hard times or divided tasks, like ropes or entirely tied bundles, referring to the difficulty and rigidity of winter. This etymological composition highlights the nature of winter as a cold and often challenging season.

The origin of the word and the kanji is deeply rooted in Japan's historical and agricultural experience. Winter, 「冬」, is a time of rest for farmers who, after the autumn harvest, prepare for the coming spring. During this period, nature is at rest, and this is reflected in the decrease of outdoor activities. This theme of quietness and preparation is common in Japanese folklore and traditions, also influencing seasonal cuisine, with warm dishes being prepared to combat the cold.

In the Japanese cultural context, each of the four seasons is celebrated through festivals, foods, and specific practices that are part of the everyday life of the Japanese. In winter, materials like kotatsu (heated tables) and events like winter illuminations become part of the seasonal experience. 「冬」, therefore, is not just a season but also a period that influences culture, traditions, and the way of life in Japan.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 冬季 (fuyu) - Winter (general)
• 寒季 (kan-ki) - Cold period
• 冬天 (fuyu tian) - Winter (season)
• 冬季节 (fuyu jie) - Winter station
• 冬令 (dōrei) - Winter as a specific period of time
• 冬令时 (dōrei shi) - Winter time
• 冬季气候 (fuyu qihou) - Winter weather
• 冬日 (fuyu ri) - Winter day
• 冬期 (fuyu ki) - Winter period
• 冬季节期 (fuyu jieqi) - Seasonal winter period
• 冬季时令 (fuyu shiling) - Winter season weather
• 冬季天气 (fuyu tianqi) - Winter weather/climate
• 冬季景象 (fuyu jingxiang) - Winter scene

冬

Romaji: fuyu
Kana: ふゆ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: Winter

Meaning in English: winter

Definition: The season in which you feel cold.

Example Sentences - (冬) fuyu

See below some example sentences:

保温は冬にとても重要です。

Hoon wa fuyu ni totemo juuyou desu

Temperature maintenance is very important in winter.

Heat retention is very important in winter.

• 保温 - word meaning "thermal insulation"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 冬 - word meaning "winter"
• に - particle indicating the time at which something occurs
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 重要 - word meaning "important"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

スキーは冬の楽しみです。

Sukii wa fuyu no tanoshimi desu

Skiing is winter fun.

Skiing is a winter pleasure.

• スキー - ski
• は - Topic particle
• 冬 - Winter
• の - Possession particle
• 楽しみ - fun, pleasure
• です - verb to be in the polite form

冬は寒いです。

Fuyu wa samui desu

Winter is cold.

Winter is cold.

• 冬 - means "winter" in Japanese.
• は - is a grammatical particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "winter".
• 寒い - means "cold" in Japanese, and is an adjective that describes winter.
• です - is a polite way of saying "it is" in Japanese, and is used to end a sentence.

冬眠する動物はたくさんいます。

Fuyumin suru doubutsu wa takusan imasu

There are many hibernating animals.

• 冬眠する - means "hibernate" in Japanese
• 動物 - means "animal" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• たくさん - means "a lot" or "many" in Japanese
• います - polite form of the verb "to exist" in Japanese

肌着は夏にも冬にも必要なアイテムです。

Hadagi wa natsu ni mo fuyu ni mo hitsuyou na aitemu desu

Underwear is a necessary item in summer and winter.

• 肌着 - underwear
• 夏 - summer
• 冬 - Winter
• 必要 - necessary
• アイテム - item
• です - is