観光客 — meaning in English: tourist

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

Guess the translation for tourist

貢献

kōken

マネージャー

manējā

ボトム

botomu

観光客

kankōkyaku

地域

chiiki

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 観光客 (kankōkyaku) in travel-related conversations, especially when discussing popular attractions or events in Japan. For example, you might hear this term at a tourist information center or while chatting about the influx of tourists during cherry blossom season.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 観光客 is 旅行者 (ryokōsha), which means 'traveler.' While both terms refer to people who travel, 観光客 specifically denotes someone visiting for leisure and sightseeing, whereas 旅行者 can include anyone traveling for various purposes.

Culture

The term 観光客 (kankōkyaku) is derived from two kanji: 観 (kan), meaning 'to observe' or 'to see,' and 光 (kō), meaning 'light.' This etymological connection reflects the idea of tourists coming to see the beauty and culture of a place. Interestingly, Japan has seen a dramatic increase in 観光客 since the 2010s, especially with its rich history and unique landscapes attracting international visitors.

FAQ

Q.What is the pronunciation of 観光客?

The pronunciation of 観光客 is 'kankōkyaku.' Pay special attention to the long vowel sound in the second part of the word.

Q.How do you use 観光客 in a sentence?

You can use 観光客 in a sentence like this: 'この場所は観光客に人気です,' which means 'This place is popular among tourists.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 観光客?

A common mistake is to confuse 観光客 with 旅行者 (ryokōsha). Remember, 観光客 refers specifically to tourists focused on sightseeing, while 旅行者 is a broader term for any traveler.

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Japanese 2000