川 — meaning in English: river

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

Guess the translation for river

記号

kigō

川

kawa

性別

seibetsu

ターン

tān

ボート

bōto

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 川 (kawa) when discussing nature, geography, or outdoor activities in Japan. For instance, during a hiking trip, one might point out a 川 to highlight a scenic spot for a picnic or fishing.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 湾 (wan), which means 'bay.' While 川 refers specifically to rivers that flow, 湾 describes the curved, often sheltered water areas along the coast. You would choose 川 when emphasizing a freshwater body flowing through land, while 湾 is more about coastal geography.

Culture

The word 川 (kawa) has deep roots in Japanese culture, symbolizing not only natural beauty but also life and abundance, as rivers have historically provided water resources and fertile land for agriculture. Interestingly, the character 川 itself is a pictogram representing flowing water, which visually connects to its meaning.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 川 in Japanese?

川 is pronounced as 'kawa' in Japanese. The pronunciation is straightforward, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.

Q.What are some common phrases that include 川?

Common phrases include 川辺 (kawa-beno) meaning 'riverbank' and 川遊び (kawa asobi) meaning 'playing in the river.' These expressions are often used in conversations about outdoor activities.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 川?

One common mistake is confusing 川 (kawa) with 海 (umi), which means 'sea.' While both refer to bodies of water, 川 specifically refers to rivers. Be mindful of the context to use each word correctly.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000