宇宙 — meaning in English: space

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

Guess the translation for universe

戦い

tatakai

標本

hyōhon

宇宙

uchuu

代理人

dairinin

答え

kotae

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use '宇宙' (uchuu) in both casual and formal discussions about space. For example, in a science class, students might talk about '宇宙の起源' (uchuu no kigen), meaning 'the origins of space'. Additionally, during conversations about astronomy, people might say, '宇宙は広がり続けています' (uchuu wa hirogari tsuzuketeimasu), meaning 'the universe continues to expand.'

Synonyms & nuances

'宇宙' (uchuu) specifically refers to outer space or the universe, while '空' (sora) means 'sky' and is often used to describe the atmosphere or the space above us. Use '宇宙' when discussing astronomical concepts and use '空' for more terrestrial contexts.

Culture

'宇宙' (uchuu) combines the kanji '宇,' meaning 'house' or 'universe,' and '宙,' meaning 'space' or 'midair.' This reflects a perception of the cosmos as a vast entity that encompasses everything. The fascination with '宇宙' is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, as seen in the popularity of anime and manga series exploring space themes, such as 'Cowboy Bebop' and 'Planetes.'

FAQ

Q.What does 宇宙 mean in English?

'宇宙' (uchuu) translates to 'space' or 'universe' in English, referring to the vast expanse beyond Earth where celestial bodies exist.

Q.How do you use 宇宙 in a sentence?

'宇宙' can be used in various contexts. For instance, you might say, '宇宙にはたくさんの星があります' (uchuu ni wa takusan no hoshi ga arimasu), meaning 'There are many stars in space.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes learners make with 宇宙?

One common mistake is confusing '宇宙' (uchuu) with '空' (sora). While they both relate to space, '宇宙' refers specifically to the universe, whereas '空' refers to the sky or atmosphere.

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