Translation and Meaning of: 風邪 - kaze

The Japanese word 風邪[かぜ] is one of those that every Japanese student ends up learning early, especially due to its everyday usage. If you've ever researched about flu, colds, or how Japanese people deal with common illnesses, you have probably come across this term. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and how it is perceived in Japan. In addition, we will see practical tips to memorize it and curiosities that make this word even more interesting.

The meaning and use of 風邪[かぜ]

The term 風邪[かぜ] is translated as "cold" or "flu," but its usage in Japan goes beyond that. Unlike Portuguese, where there is a distinction between flu (a more severe illness) and cold (a milder one), Japanese people often use 風邪 for both cases. If someone says "風邪を引いた" (kaze o hiita), it means they have a cold or flu, without necessarily specifying the severity.

This word appears frequently in everyday conversations, especially during colder seasons. In winter, it is common to hear coworkers or friends mentioning that they caught a 風邪, especially in closed environments like offices or schools. Japanese culture also values prevention, so masks and hygiene are encouraged to avoid transmission.

The origin and writing of the kanji 風邪

The composition of the kanji 風邪 is curious. The first character, 風, means "wind," while the second, 邪, can be translated as "evil" or "negative influence." Together, they convey the idea of a "bad influence carried by the wind," which makes sense considering that colds were associated with climatic changes and cold winds in traditional medicine.

It's worth noting that 風邪 is an example of a word where the reading does not follow the most common on'yomi or kun'yomi rules. Although 風 is read as "kaze" in some words, the combination with 邪 results in a unique pronunciation. This can confuse beginners, but it also helps to solidify the term due to its specificity.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember 風邪 is to associate it with real-life situations. For example, if you've ever watched Japanese animes or dramas, you've probably noticed characters saying "風邪ひいた" (kaze hiita) when they are sick. This context helps you memorize the word naturally. Another tip is to think of the kanji 風 (kaze) as something that "carries" the illness, creating a mental image.

Interestingly, in Japan, it is common for people to wear masks when they have a 風邪 to avoid infecting others, a habit that has become even more popular after the pandemic. Additionally, cold medicines are widely sold in convenience stores, showing how this word is ingrained in daily life. If you want to sound natural when speaking Japanese, learning 風邪 is an important step.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• かぜ (kaze) - cold
• インフルエンザ (infuruenza) - Flu (more serious than a cold)
• 感冒 (kanbō) - Cold (synonym of かぜ, but used more in medical contexts)

風邪

Romaji: kaze
Kana: かぜ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: cold (illness); common cold

Meaning in English: cold (illness);common cold

Definition: Cold: illness caused by a viral infection, characterized by sneezing, runny nose, and sore throat.

Example Sentences - (風邪) kaze

See below some example sentences:

風邪をひかないように気をつけてください。

Fūta wo hikanai yō ni ki wo tsukete kudasai

Please be careful not to get a cold.

Be careful not to get a cold.

• 風邪 (kaze) - cold
• を (wo) - object particle
• ひかない (hikanai) - don't pick up
• ように (youni) - so that
• 気をつけて (kiwotsukete) - be careful
• ください (kudasai) - Please

露を飲んだら風邪をひくよ。

Tsuyu wo nonda ra kaze wo hiku yo

if you drink dew

If you drink a dew, you will catch a cold.

• 露 - dew
• を - object particle
• 飲んだら - if you drink
• 風邪 - cold
• を - object particle
• ひく - take
• よ - emphasizing particle

途中で風邪をひいてしまった。

Tochuu de kaze wo hiite shimatta

I took a cold halfway.

I took a cold on the way.

• 途中で - "in the middle of the way"
• 風邪をひいてしまった - "I caught a cold"