nose in Japanese: 鼻

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Guess the translation for nose

訪問者

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鼻

子ども時代

承認

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word '鼻' in everyday conversations when discussing health or physical characteristics. For instance, someone might comment on the weather by saying '鼻が詰まっている' (I have a stuffy nose) during a casual chat about allergies in spring.

Synonyms & nuances

'鼻' is the standard term for 'nose,' while '鼻腔' (bikō) refers specifically to the nasal cavity. You would choose '鼻' for general discussions about the nose while '鼻腔' would be used in medical or technical contexts.

Culture

'鼻' has interesting etymological roots in Japanese, with connections to ancient words related to breathing and scent. In Japanese culture, the nose is often associated with emotional expressions and sensitivity, making it a common motif in literature and art, where characters may be described in terms of their nasal features to convey particular traits.

FAQ

Q.What does 鼻 mean in English?

'鼻' translates to 'nose' in English, referring to the part of the body responsible for breathing and smelling.

Q.How do you pronounce 鼻 in Japanese?

'鼻' is pronounced as 'hana' in Japanese, with a soft 'h' sound and a short 'a'.

Q.Are there any common phrases using 鼻?

Yes, '鼻が高い' (hana ga takai) means 'to be proud' literally translating to 'having a high nose,' often used to express pride or a sense of superiority.

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