Translation and Meaning of: 湾 - wan

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

Romaji: wan

Kana: わん

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n3

湾

Translation / Meaning: bay; gulf; Prohibited

Meaning in English: bay;gulf;inlet

Definition: A place where the sea or the beach enters. Where the coast is sinuous.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (湾) wan

The word 「湾」 (wan) is a term that refers to a "bay" or "cove," describing a portion of the sea or lake that extends into the land, forming a kind of natural shelter. This word is widely used in geographical and nautical contexts to mention areas of relatively calm waters, due to their protection from strong winds and large waves.

Etymologically, the kanji 「湾」 is composed of the radical 「氵」, which is a simplified form of 「水」 (mizu), meaning "water," on the left, and the part on the right 「弯」, which means "curved" or "bent." This combination of elements gives the word the meaning of "curved water" or "water curvature," which aligns well with the geographical description of a bay. It is interesting how the structure of the kanji visually encapsulates the notion of water curving around a piece of land.

The term 「湾」 is not limited to just Japanese, as it is also used in other languages that employ kanji, such as Chinese. In both languages, the kanji representation remains consistent, although pronunciation may vary. In the Japanese language, in addition to 「湾」, expressions such as 「湾岸」 (wangan), meaning "bay coast", are used to designate urban or port areas close to these natural formations.

Variations and Everyday Use

「東京湾」 (Tōkyō-wan): Refers to Tokyo Bay, one of the most famous in Japan, surrounded by the metropolis of Tokyo and known for its economic and cultural importance.
"湾曲" (wankyoku): The word is used to describe something that is "curved" or "arched," extending the original meaning of "湾" to other situations.

Understanding the kanji 「湾」 goes beyond just knowing that it means "bay." It is a fascinating example of how Chinese characters have been adapted and used in Japanese to depict natural elements. From a cultural perspective, regions around important bays in the world have historically played crucial roles in trade, defense, and human development, reflecting how vital these geographical formations are to civilization.