Translation and Meaning of: 球 - kyuu

The Japanese word 球[きゅう] is a fascinating term that appears in various contexts, from sports to astronomy. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and usage can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is written, and in which situations Japanese people use it in their daily lives.

In addition, we will see how the kanji 球 relates to other common terms and expressions in Japan. Whether for those studying the language or for those seeking accurate information about the Japanese language, this content will help clarify doubts and provide valuable insights. Shall we begin?

Meaning and usage of 球[きゅう]

The term 球[きゅう] literally means "ball" or "sphere" in Japanese. It is used to describe round objects, such as sports balls, globes, and even celestial bodies. For example, in words like 野球[やきゅう] (baseball) and 地球[ちきゅう] (Earth), the kanji 球 appears to indicate something spherical.

In everyday life, this word is not limited to physical objects. It can also be used in scientific and technical contexts, such as 眼球[がんきゅう] (eyeball) or 電球[でんきゅう] (light bulb). This versatility makes 球 a very useful kanji for those who are learning Japanese.

Origin and writing of the kanji 球

The kanji 球 is composed of the radical 王 (rei, jade) and the component 求 (to seek, to request). Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, where it represented precious round objects, such as pearls or jewels. Over time, its meaning expanded to include any spherical object.

In Japanese writing, 球 is considered a medium-level kanji, commonly learned in elementary school. Its most common reading is きゅう (kyū), but it can also be read as たま (tama) in some words, such as 玉[たま] (ball, sphere). This variation in reading is important for those who want to master the language.

Curiosities and cultural uses of 球

In Japan, the kanji 球 appears in various aspects of culture, especially in sports. Baseball, for example, is called 野球[やきゅう] and is one of the most popular sports in the country. Additionally, terms like 蹴球[しゅうきゅう] (soccer) and 籠球[ろうきゅう] (basketball) also use this kanji.

Another interesting fact is that 球 is used in the names of planets and stars, such as 火星[かせい] (Mars) and 金星[きんせい] (Venus). This connection with astronomy reinforces the idea of sphericity and movement, something that is present in both the language and Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• ボール (bōru) - ball, often referring to sports or toy balls.
• 玉 (tama) - sphere or jewel; it can refer to a game sphere or a precious ball.
• 丸 (maru) - round shape; used to describe an object with a spherical shape.
• 球体 (kyūtai) - spherical body, technical term for a three-dimensional object in the shape of a sphere.
• 球状 (kyūjō) - in the form of a sphere; used to describe the shape of an object.
• 球形 (kyūkei) - spherical shape; describes the characteristic of an object that has the shape of a sphere.
• 球面 (kyūmen) - spherical surface; refers to the external surface of a sphere.

球

Romaji: kyuu
Kana: きゅう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: globe; ball; ball

Meaning in English: globe;sphere;ball

Definition: A round-shaped object.

Example Sentences - (球) kyuu

See below some example sentences:

人類は地球上で最も進化した生物の一つです。

Jinrui wa chikyūjō de mottomo shinka shita seibutsu no hitotsu desu

Humanity is one of the most evolved creatures on earth.

Humanity is one of the most evolved creatures on earth.

• 人類 (jinrui) - Human race
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 地球上 (chikyuu jou) - in the land
• で (de) - Location particle
• 最も (mottomo) - the most
• 進化した (shinka shita) - evolved
• 生物 (seibutsu) - Living being
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 一つ (hitotsu) - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
• です (desu) - Verb "to be"

ナイターは夜の野球の試合を指します。

Naitā wa yoru no yakyū no shiai o sashimasu

The night game refers to a baseball game at night.

• ナイター - Japanese term that refers to nighttime baseball games
• 夜 - night
• 野球 - baseball
• 試合 - game
• 指します - refers to

棒は野球の道具です。

Bou wa yakyuu no dougu desu

The stick is baseball equipment.

The stick is a baseball tool.

• 棒 - Stick
• は - Topic particle
• 野球 - baseball
• の - Possession particle
• 道具 - tool
• です - é (verb to be in the polite form)

眼球は人間の重要な器官です。

Gankyū wa ningen no jūyōna kikan desu

Eye is an important human organ.

• 眼球 (gankyuu) - Eye
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人間 (ningen) - Human
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• 器官 (kikan) - organ
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

衛星は宇宙から地球を観測するために使われます。

Eisei wa uchuu kara chikyuu wo kansoku suru tame ni tsukawaremasu

Sateles are used to observe the land of space.

• 衛星 (eisei) - satellite
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 宇宙 (uchuu) - space
• から (kara) - of
• 地球 (chikyuu) - Earth
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 観測する (kansoku suru) - observe
• ために (tame ni) - for
• 使われます (tsukawaremashita) - é usado

赤道は地球の中心に近い場所にあります。

Chikyuu no chuushin ni chikai basho ni arimasu

The equator is located near the center of the Earth.

• 赤道 - Ecuador
• は - Topic particle
• 地球 - Earth
• の - Possessive particle
• 中心 - Center
• に - Location particle
• 近い - Next
• 場所 - Place
• に - Location particle
• あります - Is