Translation and Meaning of: 王子 - ouji
If you are studying Japanese or just have a curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 王子 (おうじ). It appears in animes, songs, and even in place names, but what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and uses of this word in everyday Japanese. Furthermore, we will see how it is culturally perceived and some tips for memorizing it effectively.
Meaning and Translation of 王子
The word 王子 (おうじ) is composed of two kanji: 王 (おう), which means "king," and 子 (し), which can be translated as "son" or "child." Together, they form the term that designates "prince" in Japanese. This translation is direct and widely recognized in dictionaries such as Jisho.org and Suki Nihongo.
It's worth noting that 王子 does not refer only to royal princes, but can also be used in broader contexts, such as in place names or even in honorific titles. For example, the Ōji neighborhood in Tokyo is named after an ancient temple associated with the imperial family.
Origin and Cultural Use
The origin of 王子 dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when the term was used to refer to the emperor's sons. Over time, its use expanded to include noble figures and even mythological characters. In Shinto, for example, some gods are called 王子 in certain regions of Japan.
Nowadays, the word still carries a formal and respectful tone. It frequently appears in fairy tales, children’s stories, and even in the names of establishments that want to convey elegance. An example is the café chain "Prince of Bread," which uses 王子 in its name to associate its products with premium quality.
Tips for Memorizing and Using 王子
An effective way to memorize 王子 is to associate the kanjis that compose it. As mentioned, 王 means "king" and 子 means "child". Together, they form the idea of "son of the king", that is, a prince. This simple logic helps to solidify the term in the vocabulary.
Another tip is to practice with real examples. Watching anime or historical dramas that involve the Japanese royal family can be helpful, as the word appears quite frequently in these contexts. Additionally, noting phrases like "王子様 (おうじさま)" – which means "prince" in a more honorific way – can enrich your vocabulary.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 皇子 (Ouji) - Son of the emperor
- 御子 (Miko) - Dear son; honorific term for son
- 王孫 (Ouson) - Grandchildren of a king or prince
- 王の子 (Ou no ko) - Son of the king
- 王家の子息 (Ou-ke no shisoku) - Children of the royal family
Related words
Romaji: ouji
Kana: おうじ
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: Prince
Meaning in English: prince
Definition: son of the king.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (王子) ouji
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (王子) ouji:
Example Sentences - (王子) ouji
See below some example sentences:
Ōji wa utsukushii teien o motteimasu
The prince has a beautiful garden.
- 王子 (ou ōji) - means "prince" in Japanese
- は (ou wa) - topic particle in Japanese, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "prince"
- 美しい (ou utsukushii) - The adjective that means "pretty" or "beautiful" in Japanese is "美しい" (utsukushii).
- 庭園 (ou teien) - noun meaning "garden" or "park" in Japanese
- を (ou o) - direct object particle in Japanese, indicates that "garden" is the direct object of the action
- 持っています (ou motteimasu) - verb meaning "to have" or "to possess" in Japanese, in the present continuous tense
Other Words of this Type: Noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Noun
