Translation and Meaning of: 泡 - awa

If you have ever had a cold beer in Japan or seen an anime where someone is relaxing in an onsen, you have probably come across the word 泡 (あわ - awa). This versatile little word not only describes bubbles and foam in everyday life but also carries interesting cultural nuances and even metaphorical uses. In this article, you will discover everything from the etymology of the kanji to tips for memorizing it effortlessly — and along the way, some curiosities that go beyond the dictionary. Here at Suki Nihongo, in addition to the meaning and writing, you will also find practical examples to include in your Anki and boost your studies!

The origin and the kanji of 泡

The character 泡 is a visually poetic combination: the radical 氵 (which indicates water) combines with 包 (to wrap, to package). Imagine literally "water wrapping" something — a perfect description for bubbles floating on the surface of a lake or the foam that forms around a stone thrown into the river. Interestingly, this same kanji appears in words like 泡沫 (ほうまつ - hōmatsu), which means "foam" but can also be used metaphorically for ephemeral things, like bubbles that burst.

In writing, pay attention to the additional stroke on the right side of 包 — a detail that differentiates 泡 from similar kanjis, such as 胞 (membrane). A tip to avoid mistakes? Associate the "extra" with the bubble that always insists on escaping from the glass!

Use in everyday life and beyond beer

While in Portuguese "bolha" and "espuma" are distinct terms, 泡 encompasses both in Japanese — from soap foam to that creamy head of beer (ビールの泡). But it goes beyond: in bath product stores, you will see 泡立てネット (awadate netto), those nets that turn soap into fluffy foam. In scientific contexts, 泡立ち (awadachi) describes the ability of something to form foam, such as a detergent.

And it has an unusual use that every Japanese cuisine fan loves: 泡盛 (awamori), the distilled spirit from Okinawa that got its name because of the bubbles during fermentation. Who would have thought that such a simple word could bring together brewers, scientists, and sommeliers?

Memorization and unexpected connections

To fix 泡 in your mind, an infallible technique is to create absurd images. How about visualizing a package (包) immersed in water (氵) and releasing bubbles like a goldfish? Or associating the sound "awa" with the noise of something bubbling — like when you open a soda can and hear that characteristic "pshhh-awa"?

If you're the type who learns with music, the singer Awa (あわ) — yes, her name means "bubble"! — can be an ally. And for game fans, remember: in the Pokémon universe, the move "Bubble" (あわ) is one of the cutest, but don't underestimate its power. After all, even bubbles can surprise — just like this little word full of layers.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 泡沫 (Awase) - Bubble, foam, or an ephemeral state.
• 水泡 (Suipō) - Water bubble.
• 泡立つ (Awadatsu) - To foam; to become frothy.
• 泡盛 (Awamori) - A type of alcoholic beverage from Okinawa.
• 泡立ち (Awadachi) - Foam; bubble formation.
• 泡立ち具合 (Awadachiguai) - Degree or condition of foam formation.
• 泡立ち剤 (Awadachizai) - Agent or product for foaming formation.
• 泡立ち不良 (Awadachifuryō) - Unsatisfactory foam formation.
• 泡立ち状態 (Awadachijōtai) - Foam formation state.
• 泡立ち性 (Awadachisei) - Property or characteristic of foam formation.
• 泡立ち力 (Awadachiryoku) - Foaming power or strength.
• 泡立ち量 (Awadachiryō) - Amount of foam formed.
• 泡立ち良い (Awadachiyoi) - Good foam formation.
• 泡立ち良くない (Awadachiyokunai) - Unsatisfactory foam formation.
• 泡立ち音 (Awadachioto) - Sound produced by the formation of foam.
• 泡立て (Awadate) - Process of making foam.
• 泡立て器 (Awadateki) - Tool for making foam.
• 泡立て棒 (Awadatebō) - Whisk for making foam.
• 泡立て器具 (Awadategiku) - Equipment for making foam.
• 泡立てネット (Awadatenetto) - Network to help make foam.
• 泡立て不要 (Awadatefuyō) - It is not necessary to make foam.
• 泡立て不足 (Awadatebusoku) - Insufficient foam formation.
• 泡立て不十分 (Awadatefujūbun) - Inadequate foam formation.

泡

Romaji: awa
Kana: あわ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: bubble; foam; foam; head in beer

Meaning in English: Bubble, foam

Definition: Small bubbles floating on the surface of the water.

Example Sentences - (泡) awa

See below some example sentences:

泡がたくさんある風呂は気持ちがいいです。

Abura ga takusan aru furo wa kimochi ga ii desu

A bubble bath is very pleasant.

A bath with lots of bubbles is good.

• 泡 - bubbles
• たくさん - many
• ある - there are
• 風呂 - bath
• 気持ち - sensation
• いい - good
• です - is