Translation and Meaning of: 庭 - niwa

The Japanese word 庭[にわ] is a simple term, but it's full of meaning in the everyday life of Japan. If you are studying Japanese or are just curious about the language, understanding what it represents goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, use in sentences, and even how it appears in Japanese culture. You will discover why this word is so present in everyday vocabulary and how to memorize it effectively.

Meaning and translation of 庭[にわ]

庭 [にわ] is commonly translated as "garden" or "yard," but its meaning can vary depending on the context. While in Brazil a yard is often a simple space, in Japan, a 庭 can range from a traditional garden full of zen elements to a small area with ornamental plants. This cultural difference means that the word carries nuances that go beyond the literal translation.

It is worth noting that 庭 does not refer to public parks or large natural areas. It is associated with a domestic or private space, usually adjoining a house. If you visit Japan, you will notice that even in small apartments, many families maintain a 庭 on balconies or common areas of the building.

Origin and writing of the kanji 庭

The kanji 庭 is composed of two main radicals: the "grass" radical (艹) at the top and the "courtyard" radical (廷) at the bottom. This combination is not coincidental – it reinforces the idea of an open space with vegetation. The origin of the character dates back to ancient China, where it already represented cultivated or decorated outdoor areas.

In modern writing, 庭 is considered an intermediate level kanji, often learned in the early years of Japanese study. Its most common reading is にわ, but in compounds like 庭園[ていえん] (landscape garden), it takes the on'yomi reading "tei". This type of variation is common in words derived from Chinese.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, traditional 庭 are more than just green spaces – they are artistic expressions that follow specific aesthetic principles. Stone gardens in Buddhist temples or the famous tea gardens are examples of how the word 庭 is connected to concepts like harmony and simplicity. Even in ordinary homes, there is special care in the arrangement of plants and decorative elements.

In terms of frequency, 庭 appears regularly in everyday Japanese. It is common to hear phrases like 庭を掃除する (to clean the garden) or 庭に花を植える (to plant flowers in the garden). Its presence in gardening manuals, decorating TV shows, and even in song lyrics shows how the term is rooted in the culture.

Tips for memorizing 庭[にわ]

An effective way to remember this word is to associate it with images of typical Japanese gardens. When you see the kanji 庭, think of elements like stones, lanterns, and well-pruned plants. This visual association helps to differentiate it from similar terms, such as 園[その] (park or public garden).

Another strategy is to practice with simple daily phrases, such as 庭で犬と遊ぶ (playing with the dog in the garden). Repeating these constructions out loud or writing them down on flashcards can speed up learning. Over time, the correct use of 庭 will become natural in your Japanese vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 庭園 (niwa-en) - Garden (large, formal)
• 庭先 (niwazaki) - Gate or entrance to the garden (area outside the garden)
• 庭中 (niwachu) - Inside the garden
• 庭座 (niwaza) - Situation or place in the garden (likely refers to a specific area within the garden)
• 庭園地 (niwa-enchi) - Area designated for a garden
• 庭先地 (niwazaki-chi) - Area in front of the garden gate
• 庭先広場 (niwazaki-hirobai) - Square in front of the garden gate
• 庭先芝生 (niwazaki-shibafu) - Lawn in front of the garden gate
• 庭先花壇 (niwazaki-kadan) - Flower bed in front of the garden gate
• 庭先庭園 (niwazaki-niwaen) - Garden located in front of the gate (may refer to smaller gardens)
• 庭先庭園地 (niwazaki-niwa-enchi) - Garden area located in front of the gate
• 庭先庭園芝生 (niwazaki-niwa-en-shibafu) - Garden lawn located in front of the gate
• 庭先庭園花壇 (niwazaki-niwa-en-kadan) - Flower bed in the garden located in front of the gate

庭

Romaji: niwa
Kana: にわ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: garden

Meaning in English: garden

Definition: A piece of land created around a building, etc., where plants such as trees and flowers are planted.

Example Sentences - (庭) niwa

See below some example sentences:

私は庭に花の種を散蒔きました。

Watashi wa niwa ni hana no tane wo chiramikimashita

I scattered flower seeds in the garden.

I sowed flowers in the garden.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 庭 - noun that means "garden"
• に - locative particle that indicates where something happened
• 花 - noun that means "flowers"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that the flowers belong to the garden
• 種 - noun that means "seeds"
• を - object particle that indicates that the seeds have been scattered
• 散蒔きました - verb that means "to scatter seeds"

私たちは庭に穴を掘りました。

Watashitachi wa niwa ni ana o horimashita

We dug a hole in the garden.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 庭 - "Jardim" in Japanese
• に - Location particle in Japanese
• 穴 - "Buraco" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 掘りました - "Digging" in Japanese

私たちは共働き家庭です。

Watashitachi wa kyoudouki katei desu

We are a double -income family.

We are a family of double workers.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 共働き - "Working together" or "double job" in Japanese, referring to a couple who both work outside the home
• 家庭 - "Family" in Japanese
• です - "It is" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is a statement

花がたくさん植わる庭が好きです。

Hana ga takusan uwabaru niwa ga suki desu

I like gardens with many planted flowers.

I like the garden where many flowers are planted.

• 花 (hana) - means "flower" in Japanese
• が (ga) - subject particle
• たくさん (takusan) - means "very" or "many"
• 植わる (uwawaru) - means "to be planted" or "to be cultivated"
• 庭 (niwa) - means "garden" or "courtyard"
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 好き (suki) - means "like" or "love" in Japanese
• です (desu) - Polite form of "to be" or "to stay"