Translation and Meaning of: 郷里 - kyouri

The Japanese word 郷里[きょうり] carries a deep and cultural significance, often associated with feelings of belonging and nostalgia. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and everyday use in Japanese, as well as tips for memorization and curiosities based on reliable sources. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding 郷里 will enrich your vocabulary and your understanding of Japanese culture.

Meaning and translation of 郷里 [きょうり]

郷里[きょうり] is a word that refers to someone's "place of origin" or "hometown." It conveys the idea of a place to which a person has an emotional connection, whether because they were born there or lived a significant part of their life. In English, it can be translated as "hometown," "native land," or even "ancestral home," depending on the context.

Unlike words like 故郷[ふるさと], which also means "hometown," 郷里 has a more formal and literary tone. While ふるさと is frequently used in everyday conversations and popular songs, きょうり appears more in written texts or formal speeches. This nuance is important for those who want to use the word correctly.

Origin and writing of the kanji 郷里

The word 郷里 is composed of two kanji: 郷 (kyou) and 里 (ri). The first, 郷, represents a "village" or "rural community," while 里 means "village" or "countryside." Together, they reinforce the idea of a place away from large urban centers, often associated with family roots and local traditions.

It's interesting to note that 里 can also be read as "sato," a common term in place names in Japan. This alternative reading helps to understand why 郷里 carries a connotation so linked to the countryside and rural life. The etymology of the kanji, therefore, directly reflects the meaning of the word.

Cultural usage and frequency of 郷里 in Japanese

In Japan, 郷里 is a word that evokes feelings of nostalgia and identity. It is often used in contexts involving a return to one's roots, such as local festivals or family reunions. Unlike more generic terms, きょうり suggests a deep emotional connection to the place.

Although it is not as common in daily life as ふるさと, 郷里 appears in literature, speeches, and even in news about migration or aging population. Its use is more frequent among older generations or in rural areas, where the connection to one's hometown is a strong cultural value.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 故郷 (Kyōgoku) - Terra natal
• 故里 (Kosato) - Birthplace, emphasizing the locality
• 故土 (Kodotsu) - Homeland, focusing on the soil
• 故国 (Kokyoku) - País natal
• 故郷の地 (Kyōgoku no chi) - The place of birth
• 故郷の人々 (Kyōgoku no hitobito) - The people from the hometown
• 故郷の風景 (Kyōgoku no fūkei) - The landscapes of the homeland
• 故郷の思い出 (Kyōgoku no omoide) - Memories of the homeland
• 故郷の空気 (Kyōgoku no kūki) - The air of the homeland
• 故郷の味 (Kyōgoku no aji) - The flavors of the homeland
• 故郷の言葉 (Kyōgoku no kotoba) - The words of the homeland
• 故郷の文化 (Kyōgoku no bunka) - The culture of the homeland
• 故郷の歴史 (Kyōgoku no rekishi) - The history of the homeland

郷里

Romaji: kyouri
Kana: きょうり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: birthplace; hometown

Meaning in English: birth-place;home town

Definition: Place of birth or hometown. The place where I was born and raised.

Example Sentences - (郷里) kyouri

See below some example sentences:

私の郷里は美しい町です。

Watashi no kyōri wa utsukushii machi desu

My hometown is a beautiful city.

My hometown is a beautiful city.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle indicating possession, equivalent to "mine"
• 郷里 - noun that means "homeland"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• 町 - noun meaning "city"
• です - verb that indicates to be or to exist, equivalent to "is"