島 — meaning in English: island

shima · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for island

赤字

akaji

出発

shuppatsu

歯

トリック

torikku

島

shima

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 島 (shima) when discussing geography, travel, or nature. For example, a conversation about visiting the famous islands of Okinawa or discussing the unique ecosystems found on different islands in Japan would naturally include this term.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 岩 (iwa), meaning 'rock,' which can refer to small islands or rocky outcrops. While 島 (shima) denotes a larger landmass surrounded by water, 岩 (iwa) often emphasizes the rocky, rugged nature of smaller formations.

Culture

The word 島 (shima) has deep cultural significance in Japan, as the nation consists of over 6,800 islands, with many having unique traditions and histories. Interestingly, the kanji 島 is composed of the radical for 'mountain' (山) combined with a representation of a 'landmass,' reflecting the geographical features that characterize islands.

FAQ

Q.What does 島 (shima) mean in English?

The Japanese word 島 (shima) translates to 'island' in English, referring to a piece of land completely surrounded by water.

Q.How do I use 島 (shima) in a sentence?

You can use 島 (shima) in a sentence like '私は新しい島を訪れました' (Watashi wa atarashii shima o otozuremashita), which means 'I visited a new island.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 島 (shima)?

A common mistake is confusing 島 (shima) with 半島 (hantō), which means 'peninsula.' Remember that 島 refers specifically to islands, which are completely surrounded by water.

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