Translation and Meaning of: 土手 - dote

The Japanese word 土手 [どて] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses in everyday life in Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in different contexts. If you are learning Japanese or are just curious about the language, understanding words like 土手 can enrich your vocabulary and cultural knowledge.

In addition to explaining what 土手 means, we will discuss its writing in kanji, practical usage examples, and even some curiosities about its application in real life. Whether for study or pure interest, this guide will help you better understand this word and how it fits into the Japanese language.

Meaning and use of 土手

土手, commonly referred to as "dote," primarily refers to an embankment or levee built to contain waters, such as rivers or tides. These structures are common in Japan, a country with many rivers and coastal areas prone to flooding. The word can also be used to describe natural or artificial barriers that serve as protection against floods.

In broader contexts, 土手 can appear in expressions like 土手際[どてぎわ], which means "bank of the embankment." This type of usage shows how the word is connected to geography and water resource management in Japan. If you have ever visited rural areas or cities with rivers, you have probably seen a 土手 without even knowing what it was called.

Origin and writing in kanji

The composition of 土手 is formed by two kanji: 土 (earth, soil) and 手 (hand). Together, they suggest the idea of a structure manually made with earth, which makes sense considering its practical function. The etymology well reflects the purpose of these embankments, which are built to control the flow of water and protect communities.

It is worth noting that 土手 is not a rare word, but it is also not one of the most common in everyday life. It appears more in specific contexts, such as conversations about civil engineering, geography, or even in news about natural disasters. Those who study Japanese may encounter it in technical texts or reports, but hardly in casual dialogues.

Trivia and memorization tips

An easy way to remember the meaning of 土手 is to associate the kanji 土 (earth) with the idea of something built on the ground. Meanwhile, the kanji 手 (hand) can be linked to the manual labor required to raise these embankments. This visual combination helps retain the word without the need for rote memorization.

In Japan, many parks and recreational areas are built near 土手, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. These places are popular for walking and picnics, demonstrating how a technical word also has a quotidian and even affectionate side for the Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 堤防 (Teibō) - Water containment structure, such as a dam or levee, to prevent flooding.
• 河岸 (Kagishi) - Riverbank or edge of a river, often referring to the area adjacent to the watercourse.
• 川岸 (Kawagishi) - Similar to 河岸, it refers to the bank of a river, often used in poetic contexts.
• 河堤 (Katei) - A containment structure built along a river, similar to 堤防, but focused on flood protection.
• 川辺 (Kawabe) - Area along the riverbank that may include beaches or publicly accessible areas.

土手

Romaji: dote
Kana: どて
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: landfill; Bank

Meaning in English: embankment;bank

Definition: A heap of soil built on the banks of a river or stream.

Example Sentences - (土手) dote

See below some example sentences:

土手を歩くのは気持ちがいいです。

Dote wo aruku no wa kimochi ga ii desu

It is pleasant to walk on the embankment.

Walking on the shore is pleasant.

• 土手 - means "margin" or "gully".
• を - object particle.
• 歩く - verb meaning "walk" or "walk".
• の - particle that indicates the nominalization of the previous verb.
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 気持ち - noun meaning "feeling" or "sensation".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• いい - adjective meaning "good" or "pleasant."
• です - verb that indicates the polite or polite form of the sentence.