Translation and Meaning of: 博物館 - hakubutsukan

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 博物館 (はくぶつかん). It appears in tourist guides, city signs, and even in animes. But what exactly does this term mean? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will provide tips for memorizing this word and interesting facts that make your learning experience more engaging. Here at Suki Nihongo, our Japanese dictionary, you can find detailed explanations about terms like this.

Meaning and Translation of 博物館

The word 博物館 (はくぶつかん) means "museum." It is composed of three kanji: 博 (broad), 物 (thing), and 館 (building). Together, these characters form the idea of a place that houses a broad collection of objects, whether historical, scientific, or artistic. This definition is quite similar to what we have in the West, which makes the association easier.

In Japan, museums are important cultural spaces, and the term 博物館 is used for both large institutions, such as the Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館), and smaller exhibitions. If you are visiting the country, you are likely to encounter this term on maps and signs.

Origin and Cultural Use

The word 博物館 originated during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan underwent intense modernization and absorbed many Western concepts. Before that, historical and artistic objects were kept in temples or private collections. With the opening of the country, the need for a term that designated a public place for the exhibition of these items arose.

Today, museums in Japan are seen as places of learning and cultural preservation. They not only display ancient artifacts but also promote interactive exhibitions and educational events. If you are a fan of history or art, visiting a 博物館 is a great way to immerse yourself in Japan's cultural richness.

How to Memorize 博物館

An effective way to memorize this word is to break it into parts. The kanji 博 (はく) appears in other words like 博士 (はかせ, "doctor" or "specialist"), while 物 (ぶつ) is common in terms like 動物 (どうぶつ, "animal"). Meanwhile, 館 (かん) is used in 図書館 (としょかん, "library"). Associating these elements helps to remember the full meaning.

Another tip is to create a mental image. Think of a "building (館) that contains things (物) of many types (博)". This type of visual association makes memorization easier, especially for those who are just starting to learn kanji. Practicing with flashcards or apps like Anki can also be helpful.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 博物館 (Hakubutsukan) - museum
• 美術館 (Bijutsukan) - art museum
• 博覧会 (Hakuran-kai) - Public exhibition or fair
• 博覧所 (Hakuran-sho) - Exhibition venue
• 博覧宮 (Hakuran-kyu) - Exhibition Palace
• 博物館施設 (Hakubutsukan shisetsu) - Museum facilities
• 博物館展示 (Hakubutsukan tenji) - Museum exhibition
• 博物館展示室 (Hakubutsukan tenjishitsu) - Museum exhibition room
• 博物館展示品 (Hakubutsukan tenjihin) - Exhibits on display at the museum
• 博物館収蔵品 (Hakubutsukan shūzōhin) - Items stored in the museum
• 博物館見学 (Hakubutsukan kengaku) - Visit to the museum
• 博物館案内 (Hakubutsukan annai) - Museum guides
• 博物館入場券 (Hakubutsukan nyūjōken) - Ticket for the museum
• 博物館ガイド (Hakubutsukan gaido) - Museum guide
• 博物館学芸員 (Hakubutsukan gakgeiin) - Museum curator
• 博物館展示会 (Hakubutsukan tenjikai) - Museum exhibition showcase
• 博物館イベント (Hakubutsukan ibento) - Museum events
• 博物館講座 (Hakubutsukan kōza) - Courses offered by the museum
• 博物館図書館 (Hakubutsukan toshokan) - Museum library

博物館

Romaji: hakubutsukan
Kana: はくぶつかん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: museum

Meaning in English: museum

Definition: A facility that stores, preserves, and displays historical or artistic exhibitions.

Example Sentences - (博物館) hakubutsukan

See below some example sentences:

博物館に行きたいです。

Hakubutsukan ni ikitai desu

I want to go to the museum.

I want to go to the museum.

• 博物館 (hakubutsukan) - museum
• に (ni) - particle indicating destination
• 行きたい (ikitai) - want to go
• です (desu) - a polite way of finishing a sentence