Translation and Meaning of: 日記 - niki

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you have probably come across the word 日記[にっき]. But what does it really mean? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how this word is used in everyday Japanese life. Additionally, we will look at tips for memorizing it and interesting facts that go beyond the dictionary.

The meaning and origin of 日記[にっき]

The word 日記[にっき] means "diary." It is composed of the kanji 日 (day) and 記 (record), forming the concept of a daily record. This combination is quite logical and helps to understand the concept behind the word.

The use of diaries in Japan has a long tradition, dating back to historical periods such as the Heian (794-1185), when nobles wrote about their daily lives. The most famous is "The Diary of Izumi Shikibu," written by a court poetess. This cultural practice helps explain why 日記 is still such a relevant word today.

How 日記 is used in modern Japan

In contemporary Japan, 日記 remains a common word, especially in school contexts. Many children are encouraged to keep a diary as part of their Japanese language learning. Additionally, adults use 日記 to record personal reflections or even as a productivity tool.

With the popularization of blogs and social networks, variations such as ブログ日記 (blog diary) and 電子日記 (electronic diary) have emerged. Despite technological changes, the central concept of recording daily life remains unchanged.

Tips for memorizing and using 日記 correctly

An effective way to memorize 日記 is to associate its kanjis with their meanings. 日 represents "day" and appears in words like 日曜日 (Sunday), while 記 means "record" and is used in 記録 (historical record). Together, they form the idea of a daily record.

If you want to practice using 日記, try starting a diary in Japanese, even if with simple sentences. Writing "今日の日記" (today's diary) at the top of the page is already a good exercise. Over time, the vocabulary and structure will become more natural.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 日誌 (Nisshi) - Diary used to record daily events, often used in formal or academic settings.
• ダイアリー (Daiary) - Personal diary, generally used for informal notes and reflections.
• 記録 (Kiroku) - Registration or documentation can refer to notes of events, but in a broader way than a diary.
• ノート (Nōto) - Notebook or notepad for notes, used for various purposes, not necessarily related to daily events.
• 手帳 (Techō) - Notebooks or planners used for planning, notes, and appointment records, more focused on organization.

日記

Romaji: niki
Kana: にっき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: diary

Meaning in English: diary;journal

Definition: A memorandum that records daily events and thoughts.

Example Sentences - (日記) niki

See below some example sentences:

私は毎日日記を書く。

Watashi wa mainichi nikki o kaku

I write a diary every day.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
• 日記 (nikki) - noun meaning "diary"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 書く (kaku) - Verb meaning "to write"

私は毎日日記を書きます。

Watashi wa mainichi nikki wo kakimasu

I write a diary every day.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
• 日記 (nikki) - noun meaning "diary"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 書きます (kakimasu) - Verb meaning "to write"

私は毎日の出来事を日記に記す。

Watashi wa mainichi no dekigoto wo nikki ni shirusu

I record daily events in a diary.

I write my daily events in my diary.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "I"
• 毎日 - noun that means "every day"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that "every day" belongs to "exit"
• 出来事 - noun that means "event" or "occurrence"
• を - object particle that indicates that "event" is the direct object of the action "to write"
• 日記 - noun meaning "diary"
• に - particle indicating that "diary" is the destination of the action "to write"
• 記す - verb that means "to write" or "to record"