Translation and Meaning of: 断面 - danmen

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you might have come across the word 断面[だんめん]. It appears in technical, literary, and even everyday contexts, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used by the Japanese, and tips for memorizing it effectively. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you understand terms like this in depth.

The meaning and uses of 断面

断面 [だんめん] is composed of the kanjis 断 (dan, meaning "to cut" or "to interrupt") and 面 (men, which can be translated as "surface" or "face"). Together, they form the idea of "cross-section" or "cut of an object". This word is often used in engineering, architecture, and even in scientific discussions to describe the internal visualization of something.

In everyday life, the Japanese may use 断面 to refer to slices of food, such as the cut of a cake or fish. It also appears in expressions like 断面図 (danmen-zu), which means "section drawing" or "cross-sectional diagram." Its use is more technical, but understanding this term helps decipher manuals, projects, and even culinary recipes.

The origin and writing of 断面

The combination of the kanjis 断 and 面 is not random. The first, 断, carries the idea of division or interruption, while 面 represents a face or plane. Together, they create the concept of "visualizing the inside through a cut." This logical construction makes memorization easier, as the radicals reinforce the meaning.

It is worth noting that 断面 has no common alternative readings, which simplifies its learning. The pronunciation "danmen" is standardized, and you will rarely find dialectal or historical variations. This makes it a stable word for students, without pronunciation or writing pitfalls.

Curiosities and tips for memorizing 断面

An effective way to fix 断面 is to associate it with concrete images. Think about how a doctor examines an X-ray or how a piece of watermelon reveals its interior when cut. This visualization helps connect the word to its real meaning, avoiding empty memorization.

Another tip is to practice with real examples. If you enjoy cooking, for instance, you can describe the 断面 of an onion while slicing it. This type of practical application reinforces learning and shows how the term is present in everyday situations, even if in a less obvious way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 切り口 (Kirikuchi) - Opening or cut in an object.
• 断層面 (Dansoumen) - Discontinuity surface in a geological structure.
• 横断面 (Oudanmen) - Horizontal cross-section of an object or structure.
• 縦断面 (Toudanmen) - Vertical longitudinal section of an object or structure.

断面

Romaji: danmen
Kana: だんめん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: cross section

Meaning in English: cross section

Definition: A plane that cuts an object along a certain plane.

Example Sentences - (断面) danmen

See below some example sentences:

この断面は非常に滑らかです。

Kono danmen wa hijō ni subarashii desu

This cross section is very smooth.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 断面 - noun meaning "cross-section"
• は - topic particle, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 滑らか - adjective meaning "soft" or "smooth"
• です - verb to be in the polite form