Translation and Meaning of: 鉛 - namari

The Japanese word 鉛[なまり] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses that are worth exploring. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your vocabulary and cultural knowledge. In this article, we will dive into the meaning, origin, and practical applications of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently.

Meaning and translation of 鉛[なまり]

鉛[なまり] is a Japanese word that means "lead," the heavy metal known for its density and malleability. In everyday contexts, it appears in discussions about materials, industry, or even in metaphorical expressions. The direct translation to Portuguese is straightforward, but the use of the term in Japanese can vary depending on the context.

It is worth noting that, although lead is not a frequently discussed topic in everyday conversations, the term なまり is still useful for those studying sciences, engineering, or even for understanding news about environmental contamination. Its kanji, 鉛, is composed of the metal radical (金) combined with other strokes that reinforce its connection to heavy and industrial elements.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 鉛 is formed by the radical 金 (kin), which indicates metals, followed by the component 㕣, which historically represented sounds related to heavy materials. This combination is not random—it reflects the nature of lead as a dense metal widely used in the manufacture of objects since ancient times.

Interestingly, the reading なまり is one of the kun'yomi (Japanese readings) of the kanji, while the on'yomi (Chinese reading) is "en". This duality is common in many kanjis, but in the case of 鉛, the kun'yomi reading is more frequently used in daily life. Japanese students may associate the metal radical to remember that the word is related to an element of the periodic table.

Cultural usages and curiosities

In Japan, lead was once widely used in plumbing and paints, but today its use is more regulated due to health risks. The word なまり may appear in historical contexts or discussions about pollution, such as in the case of lead contamination in some industrial areas.

An interesting fact is that, although it is not an extremely common word, なまり can appear in metaphorical expressions to describe something heavy or slow. For example, someone might jokingly say that an object is "heavy as lead" (鉛のように重い). This type of usage reinforces how the Japanese language takes advantage of concrete terms to create expressive images.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 鉛筆 (Enpitsu) - Pencil
• ペンシル (Penshiru) - pencil
• なまり (Namari) - lead (material)
• なまりいろ (Namariiro) - lead gray
• なまりがね (Namarigane) - pencil lead
• なまりがねいろ (Namariganesiro) - color of the graphite pencil

鉛

Romaji: namari
Kana: なまり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: lead (the metal)

Meaning in English: lead (the metal)

Definition: One of the metallic elements, its symbol is "Pb".