Translation and Meaning of: 帳 - tobari

The Japanese word 帳[とばり] can be somewhat mysterious for those starting to learn the language. Although it is not extremely common in everyday life, its meaning and usage bring interesting nuances for those who wish to better understand the Japanese language and culture. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in different contexts, and some curiosities that can help with memorization. If you are looking for reliable information about 帳[とばり], you have come to the right place!

Meaning and use of 帳[とばり]

帳[とばり] is a term that refers to a "curtain" or "veil," usually made of fabric, used to separate spaces or conceal something from view. Unlike more generic words like カーテン (kāten, from the English "curtain"), とばり carries a more traditional and sometimes poetic tone. In literary or historical contexts, it can evoke an atmosphere of mystery or privacy.

It is worth noting that this word is not so common in modern everyday Japanese, appearing more in classic works, plays, or in descriptions of traditional environments. For example, in tea houses or temples, the use of とばり to divide spaces is still seen, reinforcing its connection to older Japanese culture.

Origin and writing of the kanji 帳

The kanji 帳 is composed of the radical 巾 (which represents "fabric" or "cloth") combined with 長 (which can suggest something long or extended). This combination makes sense when we think about the object itself: a long piece of cloth that serves as a divider. The reading とばり is considered kun'yomi, that is, the native Japanese pronunciation associated with the kanji.

It is interesting to note that 帳 can also be read as "chō" in other words, such as 手帳 (techō, "notebook") or 通帳 (tsūchō, "bankbook"). However, in these cases, the meaning is more connected to "records" or "books", showing how the same kanji can have quite distinct uses depending on the context.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

One way to remember 帳[とばり] is to associate it with traditional Japanese settings. Imagine a kabuki stage, where heavy curtains slide to reveal the actors – that's the kind of image that とばり can evoke. Another tip is to remember that the radical 巾 (cloth) appears in other related kanjis, such as 帽 (bō, "hat") or 帯 (obi, "belt").

Interestingly, in some regional dialects of Japan, とばり may have slight variations in pronunciation, but the meaning remains the same. Additionally, although it is not a word used frequently today, it still appears in fixed expressions or in descriptions of environments that preserve the traditional Japanese style.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 台帳 (Daichō) - Logbook, usually used to keep accounts or financial information.
• 記帳 (Kichō) - Accounting records or notes, often related to keeping a record of transactions.
• 帳簿 (Chōbo) - Book of accounts, used for the formal and detailed accounting of transactions.
• 伝票 (Denpyo) - Invoice or bill used to record transactions or orders, often related to commerce.

帳

Romaji: tobari
Kana: とばり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Curtain

Meaning in English: curtain

Definition: A book that records the income and expenses of money and things.

Example Sentences - (帳) tobari

See below some example sentences:

この帳簿は正確ですか？

Kono chōbo wa seikaku desu ka?

Is this account correct?

Is this book accurate?

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 帳簿 - "accounting book"
• は - Topic particle
• 正確 - "precise, exact"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - interrogative particle
• ？ - question mark

私の通帳はいつも整理されています。

Watashi no tsūchō wa itsumo seiri sarete imasu

My notebook is always organized.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - particle indicating possession, equivalent to "mine"
• 通帳 (tsūchō) - bank registry book
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• いつも (itsumo) - always
• 整理されています (seiri sarete imasu) - to be organized

私は几帳面な人間です。

Watashi wa kichoumen na ningen desu

I am a meticulous person.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 几帳面 (kichoumen) - adjective that means "methodical," "organized"
• な (na) - particle that connects the adjective with the noun
• 人間 (ningen) - noun that means "human being"
• です (desu) - verb "to be" in the present, indicating an affirmation

私の手帳は毎日使います。

Watashi no techou wa mainichi tsukaimasu

I use my notebook daily.

I use my notebook every day.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "de" in English
• 手帳 - noun that means "agenda" or "notebook" in Japanese
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about" or "regarding" in Portuguese
• 毎日 - adverb that means "every day" in Japanese
• 使います - The verb that means "to use" in Japanese, conjugated in the present affirmative is "使います" (tsukaimasu).