Translation and Meaning of: 墓地 - hakachi

The Japanese word 「墓地」 (hakachi) refers to a cemetery or burial site. The term is composed of two kanji: 「墓」 (haka), which means "grave" or "tomb," and 「地」 (chi), which means "earth" or "ground." Together, they form the idea of "burial ground." It is interesting to note that the kanji 「墓」 contains the radical 「土」 (do), which is related to earth, reinforcing the connection with the soil.

The expression 「墓地」 has its roots in the ancestral practice of venerating the dead and in Japan's funeral traditions. Historically, burial sites were usually associated with Buddhist temples, where families could pay homage to their ancestors. Over the centuries, this concept evolved, and cemeteries became communal areas where different religions and cultural traditions practice mourning and remembrance rituals.

In modern Japan, 「墓地」 can be found in various forms, from traditional Buddhist cemeteries to modern memorial parks. The word is used in more formal contexts to describe places where the dead rest, and is often associated with cultural practices such as 「お盆」 (Obon), a festival dedicated to the spirits of ancestors. This cultural background highlights the integration of religious practices with Japanese daily life, reflecting respect and reverence for ancestors and those who have passed away.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 霊園 (Reien) - Area designated for graves, usually with a quieter and more natural environment, focused on spirituality.
• 墓場 (Hakaba) - Place where the dead are buried, most often used in a general context.
• 墓苑 (Boei) - Cemetery garden, with a focus on landscaped areas, often belonging to a temple.
• 墓地区 (Hakachiku) - Specific area designated for graves, emphasizing a geographical boundary.
• 墓地帯 (Bachitai) - Area or broader region where cemeteries are found, without restriction to a specific location.
• 墓地域 (Hakachiiki) - Region where various burial sites are located.
• 墓地地区 (Bachichiku) - Officially designated area for burials, focusing on the administrative structure.

墓地

Romaji: hakachi
Kana: はかち
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: cemetery; holy field

Meaning in English: cemetery;graveyard

Definition: A place where the dead are buried.

Example Sentences - (墓地) hakachi

See below some example sentences:

墓地には静かな雰囲気が漂っている。

Bochi ni wa shizuka na fun'iki ga tadayotte iru

at the cemetery

The cemetery has a silent atmosphere.

• 墓地 - cemetery
• には - Location particle
• 静かな - calm
• 雰囲気 - atmosphere, climate
• が漂っている - is floating, hovering