公園 — meaning in English: park

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

Guess the translation for park

投資

toushi

冒険

bōken

朝食

chōshoku

影

kage

公園

kōen

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 公園 (kōen) when discussing outdoor leisure activities, such as picnicking with family or playing sports with friends. You might hear it in casual conversations about weekend plans, like 'Let's go to the 公園 to enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring!'

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 公園 is 庭 (niwa), which means 'garden.' However, while 庭 refers more to private gardens or yards, 公園 indicates a public space meant for recreation and community interaction. You would choose 公園 when referring to a city park or a larger recreational area.

Culture

The term 公園 combines the kanji 公 (kō), meaning 'public,' and 園 (en), meaning 'garden' or 'enclosure.' This reflects the idea that parks are communal spaces where people gather to enjoy nature and recreation. In Japan, parks are often beautifully maintained and serve as vital social hubs, especially during hanami (flower viewing) season when cherry blossoms bloom.

FAQ

Q.What does 公園 mean in English?

公園 means 'park' in English, referring to a public outdoor space for leisure and recreation.

Q.How do you pronounce 公園?

公園 is pronounced as 'kōen.' The 'ō' is a long vowel sound, so make sure to stretch it out a bit.

Q.Can you use 公園 in a formal context?

Yes, 公園 is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's suitable for conversations, written communication, and even announcements.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000