Translation and Meaning of: 窓 - mado

The Japanese word 「窓」 (mado) translates to "window". The etymology of this term is quite interesting and traces back to architectural elements long before the current concept of a window became popular. The kanji 「窓」 is composed of two main radicals: 「穴」, which means "hole" or "opening", and 「夘」, which originally conveyed the idea of something related to night or darkness. Together, these characters form the idea of an opening that allows light to enter or vision to exit.

Historically, the concept of windows in Japan has evolved over time, primarily influenced by changes in architecture and lifestyle. During the Heian period, windows were already an essential part of noble houses, designed to maximize the entry of natural light, facilitate ventilation, and offer pleasant views of the gardens. Over the centuries, especially during the Edo period, windows became common in traditional Japanese residences, known as minka, often made of wood and shoji paper to control the passage of light and privacy.

The evolution of windows in Japan has brought variations in the usage of the word 「窓」. Terms like 「窓辺」 (madobe), which means "near the window", have emerged in literature, often evoking scenes of tranquility and reflection. In the modern era, the fusion of cultures with the West has introduced new technologies and materials, expanding to include glass and metal, radically transforming the traditional concept of "mado" while maintaining its cultural and historical roots.

The impact of windows on Japanese culture goes beyond basic functionality. They are often seen in artworks, symbolizing transition and change, like portals between the inside and the outside, observing the passage of the seasons through a 「窓」. In many haikus and Japanese poems, windows serve as metaphors for introspection and fleeting moments, capturing the essence of transient beauty.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 窓 (mado) - window
• まど (mado) - window
• マド (mado) - ジャネラ

窓

Romaji: mado
Kana: まど
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: window

Meaning in English: window

Definition: An opening in the wall or body of a building or car to allow the passage of light and air.

Example Sentences - (窓) mado

See below some example sentences:

彼女は窓から抜けることができた。

Kanojo wa mado kara nukeru koto ga dekita

She managed to escape through the window.

She was able to climb out of the window.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 窓 - window
• から - of
• 抜ける - escape
• こと - thing
• が - subject particle
• できた - was able to

窓口でチケットを買いました。

Madoguchi de chiketto wo kaimashita

I bought a ticket at the counter.

Bought a ticket at the counter.

• 窓口 (madoguchi) - counter
• で (de) - in
• チケット (chiketto) - Ticket
• を (wo) - direct object
• 買いました (kaimashita) - I bought

水滴が窓を滑り落ちた。

Mizushizuku ga mado wo suberi ochita

A drop of water ran down the window.

Drops of water slithered down the window.

• 水滴 - Drop of water
• が - subject particle
• 窓 - window
• を - direct object particle
• 滑り落ちた - slipped and fell

彼は窓に手を差し伸べた。

Kare wa mado ni te o sashino beta

He reached out to the window.

He reached out to the window.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 窓 (mado) - window
• に (ni) - Destination particle
• 手 (te) - HAND
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 差し伸べた (sashino beta) - Extended (verb)

窓から風が入ってきます。

Mado kara kaze ga haitte kimasu

The wind is coming in through the window.

The wind comes from the window.

• 窓 (mado) - window
• から (kara) - from, starting at
• 風 (kaze) - wind
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 入って (haitte) - Entering
• きます (kimasu) - verb "to come" in the polite present

窓枠に手を突っ張る。

madowaku ni te wo tsuppuru

I rest my hand on the window frame.

Push your hand into the window frame.

• 窓枠 (madowaku) - window frame
• に (ni) - particle indicating location
• 手 (te) - hand
• を (wo) - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• 突っ張る (tsuppashiru) - lean on tightly