球 — meaning in English: ball

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

Guess the translation for sphere

球

kyū

スペル

superu

顔

kao

カバー

kabā

紙

kami

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 球 (kyū) when discussing sports, such as baseball or soccer, where balls are central to the game. You'll also hear it in casual conversations among friends when referencing toys, like a beach ball or a basketball, making it a versatile term in everyday life.

Synonyms & nuances

Another word for 'ball' is ボール (bōru), which is borrowed from English and often used in casual contexts. However, 球 (kyū) is more versatile and can refer to various types of spheres, including traditional objects like marbles, making it a more formal or literary choice.

Culture

The character 球 (kyū) originally depicted a round object, often associated with celestial bodies in ancient Japan. In modern times, it not only refers to sports equipment but also symbolizes playfulness and leisure, embodying the spirit of Japanese sports culture, which is deeply intertwined with community and teamwork.

FAQ

Q.What does the Japanese word 球 mean in English?

The Japanese word 球 (kyū) translates to 'ball' in English. It refers to any spherical object, often used in the context of sports or play.

Q.How do you use 球 in a sentence?

You can use 球 (kyū) in sentences like 'サッカーボールは大きな球です' (The soccer ball is a large ball), illustrating its application in everyday conversation.

Q.Are there different types of 球 in Japanese?

Yes, there are specific terms for different types of balls depending on the context, such as バレーボール (barēbōru) for volleyball or 野球の球 (yakyū no kyū) for a baseball, but 球 (kyū) serves as a general term.

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