Translation and Meaning of: 球 - tama

The Japanese word 球[たま] is a simple term, but with varied uses in everyday life and in Japanese culture. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the meaning and origin of this word, this article will explore its different aspects, from writing to the context in which it appears. Additionally, we will see how to memorize it effectively and some curiosities that make it interesting for language learners.

The term 球[たま] is often associated with round objects, such as balls and spheres, but its use goes beyond the literal sense. In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you can find practical examples and sentences that help you better understand how this word is applied in real-life situations. Let's dive into the details and discover what makes 球[たま] so relevant in the Japanese language.

Meaning and use of 球[たま]

The primary meaning of 球[たま] is "ball" or "sphere," referring to round objects like tennis balls, marbles, or even planets. However, depending on the context, it can appear in expressions that go beyond the physical meaning. For example, in sports, 球[たま] is often used to refer to the ball in games like baseball or soccer.

Additionally, the word can be found in compound terms, such as 地球[ちきゅう] (Earth) or 野球[やきゅう] (baseball). This versatility makes 球[たま] a useful word for those learning Japanese, as it appears in various everyday situations. Its usage is more common in informal contexts, but it can also appear in more formal registers, depending on the expression.

Origin and writing of the kanji 球

The kanji 球 is composed of the radical 王 (king) and the component 求 (to seek). Although its origin is not directly related to these meanings, the combination helps to distinguish it from other similar kanjis. The reading たま is one of the kun'yomi (Japanese readings), while the most common on'yomi (Chinese reading) is きゅう, as in 野球[やきゅう].

An interesting fact is that the kanji 球 can also be used in words that do not necessarily refer to something round, such as 球体[きゅうたい] (geometric sphere). This shows how the Japanese language makes use of kanjis to create specific terms in different fields, from sports to astronomy.

Tips for memorizing 球[たま]

An effective way to memorize 球[たま] is to associate it with round objects from everyday life. For example, when you see a ball, think of the word たま and repeat it mentally. Another tip is to create flashcards with images of spheres and write the kanji 球 next to it, reinforcing the visual connection between the word and its meaning.

Furthermore, practicing with simple sentences can help reinforce the correct use of the word. Expressions like "ボールを投げる" (throw the ball) or "地球は丸い" (the Earth is round) are examples that show 球[たま] in context. The Suki Nihongo dictionary offers various ready-made sentences for study, making it easier for those who want to master this word.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• ボール (bōru) - Ball, generally used in sports.
• 玉 (tama) - Sphere can refer to a ball, pearl or a decorative ball.
• 球体 (kyūtai) - A spherical body refers to a three-dimensional object in the shape of a sphere.
• 球状 (kyūjō) - In spherical form, it describes the shape of an object that is spherical.
• 球形 (kyūkei) - Spherical shape emphasizes the spherical geometry of an object.
• 球面 (kyūmen) - Spherical surface refers to the outer surface of a sphere.

球

Romaji: tama
Kana: たま
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: globe; ball; ball

Meaning in English: globe;sphere;ball

Definition: A way in which an object is spherical.

Example Sentences - (球) tama

See below some example sentences:

過剰な消費は地球環境に悪影響を与える。

Kajō na shōhi wa chikyū kankyō ni aku eikyō o ataeru

Excess consumption has a negative impact on the Earth's environment.

Excess consumption has a negative effect on the global environment.

• 過剰な消費 - excess consumption
• は - Article indicating the subject/topic of the sentence
• 地球環境 - global environment
• に - particle indicating the indirect object of the sentence
• 悪影響 - negative impact
• を - article indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 与える - dar, causar

野球が好きです。

Yakyuu ga suki desu

I like baseball.

• 野球 - "yakyuu" - means "baseball" in Japanese
• が - ga - is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き - "suki" - It means "like" or "love"
• です - desu - It is a particle that indicates formality and the end of the sentence

野球が大好きです。

Yakyuu ga daisuki desu

I love baseball.

• 野球 - means "baseball" in Japanese
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大好き - It means "love very much" or "adore" in Japanese.
• です - polite way of "being" in Japanese

鉱物は地球上で見つかる多くの貴重な資源の一つです。

Koumotsu wa chikyuu jou de mitsukaru ooku no kichou na shigen no hitotsu desu

Minerals are one of the many valuable resources found on Earth.

Minerals are one of the many valuable resources found on Earth.

• 鉱物 - mineral
• は - Partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 地球上 - on Earth
• で - Article indicating the location where something happens
• 見つかる - To be found
• 多く - Many
• の - Partícula que indica posse ou atribuição
• 貴重な - Valuable
• 資源 - Recurso
• の - Partícula que indica posse ou atribuição
• 一つ - One
• です - Copula que indica cortesia ou formalidade

鉱業は地球環境に影響を与える重要な産業です。

Kougyou wa chikyuu kankyou ni eikyou wo ataeru juuyou na sangyou desu

Mining is an important industry that affects the environment of the earth.

Mining is an important industry that affects the global environment.

• 鉱業 - mining industry
• は - Topic particle
• 地球環境 - Earth's environment
• に - target particle
• 影響を与える - make an impact
• 重要な - important
• 産業 - industry
• です - Verb to be/estar

磁気は地球の磁場を感じることができます。

Jiki wa chikyū no jiba o kanjiru koto ga dekimasu

The magnetic can feel the Earth's magnetic field.

The magnetic can feel the Earth's magnetic field.

• 磁気 (jiki) - magnetism
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 地球 (chikyuu) - Earth
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 磁場 (jiba) - magnetic field
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 感じる (kanjiru) - feel
• ことができます (koto ga dekimasu) - Be able to

炭素は地球上で最も豊富な元素の一つです。

Tanso wa chikyūjō de mottomo hōfu na genso no hitotsu desu

Carbon is one of the most abundant elements on Earth.

Carbon is one of the most abundant elements on Earth.

• 炭素 (tanso) - carbon
• は (wa) - marcador de tópico
• 地球上 (chikyuujo) - na Terra
• で (de) - marcador de localização
• 最も (mottomo) - maioria
• 豊富な (houfunna) - abundante
• 元素 (gensou) - element
• の (no) - possessive marker
• 一つ (hitotsu) - um
• です (desu) - copula

地球は私たちの唯一の家です。

Chikyuu wa watashitachi no yuiitsu no ie desu

The earth is our only home.

The earth is our only home.

• 地球 (chikyuu) - Planet Earth
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私たち (watashitachi) - we
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 唯一の (yuiitsu no) - single
• 家 (ie) - house
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

地球は私たちの大切な家です。

Chikyuu wa watashitachi no taisetsu na ie desu

The earth is our precious house.

The earth is our important home.

• 地球 - Planet Earth
• は - Topic particle
• 私たち - We
• の - Possessive particle
• 大切な - Important
• 家 - House
• です - Verb to be/estar

地質学は地球の歴史を解明するために重要な役割を果たしています。

Chishitsugaku wa chikyū no rekishi o kaimei suru tame ni jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Geology plays an important role in understanding earth history.

Geology plays an important role in the elucidation of earth history.

• 地質学 - geological science
• 地球 - Planet Earth
• 歴史 - history
• 解明する - clarify
• ために - for
• 重要な - important
• 役割 - paper
• 果たしています - performs