岩 — meaning in English: rock

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

Guess the translation for rock

誕生日

tanjōbi

年齢

nenrei

岩

iwa

肉

niku

フィルム

firumu

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 岩 (iwa) when discussing nature, such as while hiking in the mountains or visiting coastal areas. For example, one might say 'あの岩は巨大だ' ('That rock is huge') when admiring a striking geological feature.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 石 (ishi), which means 'stone.' While 岩 (iwa) typically refers to larger geological formations, 石 (ishi) is more general and can describe stones of any size. You would choose 岩 when talking about boulders or cliffs, but 石 when mentioning smaller pebbles.

Culture

The character 岩 (iwa) not only means 'rock' but also signifies strength and stability, often used in Japanese poetry to evoke a sense of permanence. Interestingly, the word has ties to traditional Japanese practices like stone stacking, which symbolizes perseverance and harmony with nature.

FAQ

Q.What does 岩 mean in Japanese?

岩 (iwa) means 'rock' in Japanese, specifically referring to larger geological formations such as cliffs or boulders.

Q.How do you use 岩 in a sentence?

You can use 岩 in sentences like 'この岩はとても面白い形をしている' ('This rock has a very interesting shape') to describe its appearance.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 岩?

A common mistake is confusing 岩 (iwa) with 石 (ishi). Remember that 岩 refers to larger rocks, while 石 is for smaller stones.

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