Translation and Meaning of: 波 - nami

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

Romaji: nami

Kana: なみ

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n3

波

Translation / Meaning: nod

Meaning in English: wave

Definition: Continuous vibrations that occur on the surface of water or in the atmosphere.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (波) nami

The Japanese word 「波」 (nami) means "wave." This term is commonly used in the Japanese language, especially in contexts related to bodies of water, like the sea and the ocean, but it can also be employed figuratively to describe phenomena that occur in sequence or in wave-like patterns, such as sound waves or shock waves. Additionally, it symbolizes changes or fluctuations in states, such as in a "wave" of emotions or events.

The etymology of the word 「波」 originates from Classical Japanese, incorporating the radical 「氵」, which indicates a relation to water, reinforcing its connection with aqueous phenomena. The kanji itself is composed of elements that form meanings related to the mutable and fluid nature of waves, both physical and metaphorical. This gives the kanji versatility to describe a variety of concepts beyond the mere physical representation of sea waves.

Historically, waves carry a profound cultural significance in Japan. From Hokusai's famous artwork "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" to their presence in local legends and myths, waves are powerful symbols connected to the strength and unpredictability of nature. This symbolism is present in both visual art and language, where 「波」 can represent both the beauty and destruction contained in the natural force of waves.

In everyday language, the word is also used in other compositions to describe different types of waves, such as in 「電波」 (denpa), which means "radio waves," or 「津波」 (tsunami), which refers to the gigantic waves caused by underwater earthquakes. These combinations demonstrate the flexibility of the term in the descriptions of various wave phenomena in different contexts.

Synonyms and similar words

うねり ( uneri ) - Undulation, movement of the waves.
潮 ( shio ) - Surf, ocean current.
うみ ( umi ) - Sea, ocean.
なみ ( nami ) - Wave, wave of the sea.
さざなみ ( sazanami ) - Small waves, gentle swell.
さざ波 ( sazawake ) - Small waves, similar to "さざなみ" but generally used in more poetic contexts.
しぶき ( shibuki ) - Squall, sea spray, especially from the ocean.
しぶき立つ ( shibuki tatsu ) - Raise spray, the action of water being spread with force.
しぶき上げる ( shibuki ageru ) - Raise spray, the action of elevating water in the form of a spray.
しぶき上がる ( shibuki agaru ) - The spray rises, focus on the result of the spray's elevation.
しぶき飛び散る ( shibuki tobi chiru ) - Spray that spreads, the action of spray dispersing.
しぶき跳ねる ( shibuki haneru ) - Spray that jumps, emphasis on active movement.
しぶき立ち上がる ( shibuki tachiagaru ) - Spray that rises, connotation of emerging from impact.
しぶき上げよう ( shibuki ageyou ) - Let's raise the spray, call to action.
しぶき上がろう ( shibuki agarou ) - Let's watch the spray rise, an invitation to observe.
しぶき立てよう ( shibuki tateyou ) - Let's raise the spray, an invitation for collective action.