Translation and Meaning of: 奥 - oku

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 奥 (oku) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: oku

Kana: おく

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n3

奥

Translation / Meaning: interior; inside part

Meaning in English: interior;inner part

Definition: Deep: A deep place, right at the bottom.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (奥) oku

The Japanese word 「奥」 (oku) is rich in meanings and has an interesting etymology. The term is generally used to refer to places that are deeper or further back, often translated as "interior" or "depth" in other languages. The expression carries nuances of physical distance, but it can also be applied in abstract contexts, such as "interior of the mind" or "depth of a thought." The ideogram 「奥」 suggests this idea of depth and mystery, often associated with something that is intimate or less accessible.

The kanji 「奥」 is composed of parts that individually convey additional meanings. The upper part, 「屋」 (ya), can be translated as "building" or "house," referring to a structure that protects or covers something. The lower part, 「大」 (dai), means "big." This combination relates to the concept of something large and set back, which is protected by outer layers. Historically, the use of this kanji refers to ancient forms of Chinese writing, where the meaning evolved from "cave" to "interior" in a broad sense, an idea that was assimilated and adapted into the Japanese language over the centuries.

In addition to its most common definitions, 「奥」 (oku) can be found in various idiomatic expressions and linguistic derivations. For example, 「奥さん」 (okusan) refers to "wife" and literally conveys the idea of someone who is in the "interior of the home." It can also indicate a more internal or secluded location, as in 「山奥」 (yama-oku), which means "depths of the mountain." These uses demonstrate the versatility of the term, adapting to different cultural and linguistic contexts within the Japanese language.

The contemporary use of 「奥」 goes beyond its literal connotations. In urban environments, the term can be used to describe less accessible areas of a city, or even to reflect on a person's deeper feelings. This adaptability makes the kanji a reflection of the complexities of life and human relationships, illustrated not only in words but in Japanese culture and literature as a whole. Therefore, learning and understanding 「奥」 broadens the student's perception of how languages express complex ideas through seemingly simple concepts.