Translation and Meaning of: 室 - shitsu

The Japanese word 室[しつ] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. If you have ever wondered how to memorize this term or in what contexts it appears, keep reading to find out.

In addition to being a useful term for Japanese students, 室[しつ] also has cultural and historical connections that are worth knowing. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and practical information to help with your learning. Let's dive into the details of this word and understand why it is relevant.

Meaning and usage of 室 [しつ]

The term 室[しつ] means "room," "hall," or "chamber" in Japanese. It is often used in compound words to designate specific spaces, such as 会議室 (kaigishitsu - meeting room) or 教室 (kyoushitsu - classroom). Its usage is common in both domestic environments and in professional and educational contexts.

It is worth noting that 室[しつ] is not an isolated term in the Japanese vocabulary. It appears in various combinations, which broadens its semantic field. For example, 浴室 (yokushitsu) means "bathroom," while 図書室 (toshoshitsu) refers to a library or reading room. This versatility makes it a valuable word for those who want to expand their knowledge of the language.

Origin and writing of the kanji 室

The kanji 室 is composed of the radical 宀 (ukammuri), which represents a roof, combined with 至 (shi), which suggests the idea of "arriving" or "reaching". This combination creates the notion of a covered space where people gather or stay. The etymology reflects well the current meaning of the word, as a room is precisely a defined and protected space.

Interestingly, this kanji also appears in words that refer to more specialized spaces, such as 王室 (oushitsu - royal family) or 暗室 (anshitsu - darkroom). Its presence in technical and historical terms shows how the Japanese language utilizes ancient characters to form modern concepts.

Tips for memorizing and using 室[しつ]

An effective way to memorize 室[しつ] is to associate it with everyday compound words. For example, if you study Japanese, you have probably heard 教室 (kyoushitsu) several times. Creating flashcards with practical examples can help you remember not just the isolated term, but also its most common uses.

Another tip is to pay attention to radicals. As mentioned, the 宀 (ukammuri) appears in several kanji related to buildings and spaces, such as 家 (ie - house) and 安 (an - safety). Recognizing these patterns makes it easier to learn vocabulary and understand new terms.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 部屋 (heya) - bedroom
• 客室 (kyakushitsu) - Guest room
• 居室 (kyoshitsu) - Living room
• 研究室 (kenkyushitsu) - Research Room
• 教室 (kyoshitsu) - classroom
• 会議室 (kaigishitsu) - Meeting Room
• 待合室 (machiaishitsu) - waiting room
• 診察室 (shinsatsushitsu) - Medical exam room
• 手術室 (shujutsushitsu) - Surgery room
• 更衣室 (koishitsu) - Changing room
• 休憩室 (kyuukeishitsu) - Break room
• 喫茶室 (kissashitsu) - Tea room/cafeteria
• 室内 (shitsunai) - Interior / Inside the room
• 室外 (shitsugai) - Exterior / Outside the room

室

Romaji: shitsu
Kana: しつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: room

Meaning in English: room

Definition: A space inside a building that is used for a specific purpose.

Example Sentences - (室) shitsu

See below some example sentences:

控室には静かな雰囲気が漂っている。

Kōshitsu ni wa shizuka na fun'iki ga tadayotte iru

In the waiting room

There is a calming atmosphere in the waiting room.

• 控室 (koushitsu) - waiting room or control room
• には (ni wa) - indicates the location of the phrase, in this case "in the control room"
• 静かな (shizukana) - calm or quiet
• 雰囲気 (fun'iki) - atmosphere or climate
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 漂っている (tadayotteiru) - floating or hovering

温室で育てた野菜は美味しいです。

Onshitsu de sodateta yasai wa oishii desu

Greenhouse-grown vegetables are delicious.

The vegetables grown in the greenhouse are delicious.

• 温室 - greenhouse
• で - in
• 育てた - cultivated
• 野菜 - vegetables
• は - is
• 美味しい - delicious
• です - it is

待合室にはたくさんの人がいます。

Maishitsu ni wa takusan no hito ga imasu

There are many people in the waiting room.

• 待合室 - waiting room
• に - particle indicating location
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• たくさん - many
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 人 - people
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• います - verb that indicates the existence of something or someone

私は毎日浴室でシャワーを浴びます。

Watashi wa mainichi yokushitsu de shawaa o abimasu

I take a shower every day in the bathroom.

I take a bath in the bathroom every day.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
• 浴室 (yokushitsu) - noun meaning "bathroom"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the place where the action takes place, in this case, "in the bathroom"
• シャワー (shawa-) - noun meaning "shower"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "shower"
• 浴びます (abimasu) - Verb that means "to take a shower"

私たちは教室で勉強します。

Watashitachi wa kyōshitsu de benkyō shimasu

We studied in the classroom.

We studied in the classroom.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 教室 - Japanese classroom
• で - Location particle in Japanese
• 勉強 - study in Japanese
• します - polite way of "doing" in Japanese