What is the Kanji for "Ground"?
If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Ground", you've come to the right place!
The Japanese Kanji for "Ground" is "地".
This kanji has 2 readings:
Its onyomi readings are "Ji" and "Chi".
kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.
If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:
The kanji "土" means "Soil" and can be read as "Tsuchi", "To", and "Do". And The radical "也" means "To be" .
Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.
What does the kanji "地" mean in japanese?
"地" means "Ground" .
Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N4 exam.
Here are some words that use this kanji:
地: "Earth" or "Ground". The Japanese noun '地 (ち)' can mean 'earth' or 'ground'. It refers to the surface of the planet on which we live, the soil, or the floor beneath our feet. This word is commonly used in compound words like '地面 (じめん)' which means 'ground' or '大地 (だいち)' which means 'the earth'. For example: I walked on the soft earth - (柔らかい地を歩いた). The earth is round - (地は丸い).
地域: "Area". The noun '地域 (ちいき)' means 'area'. This word refers to a specific geographical region or locality. It can be used to describe a city district, a neighborhood, a rural area, or any other bounded space. For example: This is a popular area for shopping - (この地域は買い物で賑わっている). The rural areas outside the city - (市外の地域)
地方: "Region". The Japanese noun '地方 (ちほう)' means 'region'. This word refers to an area within a country that has distinct characteristics or is located away from the main population centers. It is often used to distinguish rural or provincial areas from major cities and metropolitan areas. For example: He is from the Kansai region - (彼は関西地方出身です). The rural regions of Japan - (日本の地方地域)
土地: "Land". The Japanese noun '土地 (とち)' means 'land'. This word refers to a particular area or piece of ground, often with regard to its ownership, use, or features. It can be used to describe a plot of land, a piece of real estate, or a specific geographical area. For example: This land belongs to my family - (この土地は私の家族のものです). The land around the lake is beautiful - (湖の周りの土地は美しい).
地下鉄: "Subway". The Japanese word '地下鉄 (ちかてつ)' refers to an underground railway system, typically found in large cities. It is a type of rapid transit system that transports people efficiently through the city under the ground. This word is commonly used to describe the subway or metro systems found in many major Japanese cities like Tokyo and Osaka. For example: I took the subway to work - (仕事へ地下鉄を使いました). Let's meet at the subway station - (地下鉄の駅で会いましょう).
番地: "Address". The Japanese noun '番地 (ばんち)' refers to the address or house number of a building or residence. It is used to specify the exact location of a place, often in combination with the name of the city, town, or district. For example: What is your address? - (あなたの番地はどこですか。) I live at 123 Main Street - (私は123番地のメインストリートに住んでいます).
地球: "Earth". The noun '地球 (ちきゅう)' refers to the planet Earth, the third planet from the Sun and the only known planet to harbor life. It is the largest of the terrestrial planets and is composed of various layers including the crust, mantle, and core. The planet is home to diverse ecosystems and a wide range of living organisms. Some example sentences: The Earth is our home - (地球は私たちの住む家である). All life on Earth depends on the planet's resources - (地球上のすべての生命は地球の資源に依存している).
地下: "Underground". The Japanese noun '地下 (ちか)' means 'underground'. This word is used to refer to areas or spaces that are located below the surface of the ground. It can be used to describe things like subway stations, underground parking garages, basements, and other subterranean structures or locations. For example: The train station is underground - (駅は地下にあります). I parked my car in the underground garage - (私は地下駐車場に車を停めました).
地位: "Position". The Japanese noun '地位 (ちい)' means 'position'. It refers to the social or professional standing or rank of a person within an organization or community. This word is often used to describe one's status or standing in society. For example: She has a high position in the company - (彼女はその会社で高い地位にある). His strong position within the party allowed him to influence policy - (彼の政党内での強い地位は彼に政策に影響力を与えることを可能にした).
地元: "Hometown". The noun '地元 (じもと)' refers to one's hometown or local area. It is used to describe the place where someone was born and raised, or the area they are most closely associated with. It can imply a strong connection or sense of identity with that particular place. For example: I went back to my hometown for the holidays - (私は休暇に地元に戻りました). The local residents take great pride in their hometown - (地元の人々は地元に強い愛着を持っています).
空き地: "Vacant lot". The Japanese noun '空き地 (あきち)' means 'vacant lot'. It refers to an unoccupied or empty piece of land within an urban area that is not being used for any particular purpose. Vacant lots are often covered in grass or weeds, and may be used for temporary parking or as informal play areas. For example: The vacant lot next to our house is used by the kids to play football - (うちの隣の空き地は子供たちがサッカーをするのに使われている). There is an empty vacant lot on the corner - (角にある空き地は何も使われていない).
地区: "District". The noun '地区 (ちく)' refers to a specific geographical area or section within a larger town, city, or region. It is used to describe a distinct part or division of an urban or rural area, often with its own unique characteristics, boundaries, and administrative organization. For example: The shopping district - (買い物の地区). He lives in the residential district - (彼は住宅地区に住んでいる).
各地: "Various places". The Japanese noun '各地 (かくち)' means 'various places'. It is used to refer to multiple different locations or regions, often in a general or broad sense. This word is commonly used when discussing topics that span across or involve multiple geographical areas. For example: People in various places are protesting - (各地の人々が抗議しています). Various regions were affected by the typhoon - (各地が台風の影響を受けた).
地味: "Plain" or "Modest". The Japanese adjectival noun '地味 (じみ)' means 'plain' or 'modest'. This word is used to describe something that lacks ornamentation, is simple, and does not stand out. It can be used to describe a person's appearance, style of dress, or even a personality. For example: She has a plain style of dress - (彼女の服装は地味だ). He has a modest personality - (彼の性格は地味だ).
地図: "Map". The noun '地図 (ちず)' means 'map'. It refers to a representation of an area, typically of the earth or a part of it, showing the relative position of the features of the landscape such as countries, cities, roads, rivers etc. Maps are useful tools for navigation, planning, and understanding the spatial relationships between different locations. For example: The map shows the location of the city center - (地図にはその市の中心部が示されている). I need a map to find my way around this city - (この街を歩くにはマップが必要だ).
地上: "Surface" or "Ground". The noun '地上 (ちじょう)' refers to the surface of the earth or the land. It can be used to describe the ground, the floor, or the terrestrial environment as opposed to the sky or space above. For example: He landed on the ground - (彼は地上に着陸した). The building is on the ground floor - (その建物は地上階にある).
地震: "Earthquake". The noun '地震 (じしん)' refers to a sudden and violent shaking of the earth's surface caused by movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action. Earthquakes can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, and can also trigger other natural disasters like tsunamis. They are a major natural hazard in many parts of the world. For example: There was a powerful earthquake last night - (昨夜、強い地震がありました). The earthquake caused a lot of damage in the city - (地震により、その街には多大な被害が出ました).
産地: "Origin". The Japanese noun '産地 (さんち)' means 'origin'. It refers to the place of origin or production of something, such as the location where a particular agricultural product or manufactured good is sourced from. For example: This wine is from the Napa Valley origin - (このワインはナパバレーの産地からです). The origin of these apples is Aomori - (これらのりんごの産地は青森です).
現地: "Local". The Japanese noun '現地 (げんち)' means 'local'. It is used to refer to a specific location, often a place that is being discussed or the place where an event is taking place. It can also be used to describe something that originates from or is specific to a certain area. For example: I went to the local market - (私は現地のマーケットに行きました). The local cuisine is delicious - (現地の料理は美味しい).
地獄: "Hell". The Japanese noun '地獄 (じごく)' refers to the concept of 'hell' in Buddhist and other religious beliefs. It is the place where sinful souls are believed to be punished after death. The term is used to describe a state of extreme suffering, torment or despair. For example: They believe the wicked will go to hell - (悪い人は地獄に行くと信じている). The fires of hell - (地獄の炎)
基地: "Base". The Japanese noun '基地 (きち)' refers to a military base or installation. It is used to describe a location where armed forces, equipment, and supplies are stationed. The word can be used to describe different types of military bases, such as an air force base, naval base, or army base. For example: The soldiers are stationed at the military base - (兵士は軍事基地に駐屯している). The aircraft carrier docked at the naval base - (空母は海軍基地に接岸した).
意地悪: "Meanness". The verbal noun '意地悪 (いじわる)' means 'meanness'. This word refers to a malicious, spiteful or unpleasant behavior towards others. It is often used to describe someone who deliberately acts in a cruel or unkind way without any good reason. For example: She was so mean to me - (彼女は私に対して本当に意地悪だった). Don't be so mean - (そんなに意地悪にならないでください).
地面: "Ground". The Japanese noun '地面 (じめん)' means 'ground'. This refers to the solid surface of the Earth that we walk on. It can be used to describe the surface of the earth, floor, soil, or terrain. For example: He is sitting on the ground - (彼は地面に座っています). The ground is wet after the rain - (地面は雨後濡れている).
住宅地: "Residential area". The noun '住宅地 (じゅうたくち)' refers to a residential area or neighborhood, typically consisting of houses and apartments where people live. It is a area zoned and developed for residential purposes, as opposed to commercial or industrial areas. For example: We live in a quiet residential area - (私たちは静かな住宅地に住んでいます). The new housing development is located in a nice residential area - (新しい住宅地開発は素敵な住宅地に立地しています).
地帯: "Zone". The Japanese noun '地帯 (ちたい)' means 'zone'. This word refers to a specific geographical area or region with particular characteristics, such as a climate zone, vegetation zone, or industrial zone. It is used to describe a distinct section or division of a larger area. For example: Coastal zone - (海沿いの地帯). The agricultural zone - (農業地帯).
植民地: "Colony". The noun '植民地 (しょくみんち)' refers to a territory or area under the political control and settlement of another, usually distant, country. This term is often associated with historical expansionist policies of European countries that established settlements and exercised sovereignty over foreign territories. For example: The country established a colony overseas - (その国は海外に植民地を築いた). The Spanish established colonies in the Americas - (スペインは南北アメリカに植民地を築いた).
地点: "Point". The noun '地点 (ちてん)' means 'point'. It refers to a specific location, spot, or place. This word is commonly used to describe a particular geographic coordinate, destination, or position. For example: The destination is at this point - (目的地はこの地点にあります). The point of origin is here - (出発地点はここです).
地理: "Geography". The Japanese noun '地理 (ちり)' means 'geography'. Geography is the study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these, including the distribution of populations and resources, land use, and industries. It is an important subject in schools, as it helps students understand the world around them and the relationships between different regions and environments. For example: I enjoy studying geography - (私は地理を勉強するのが好きです). Geography is a fascinating subject - (地理は非常に興味深い科目です).
敷地: "Property". The Japanese noun '敷地 (しきち)' means 'property'. It refers to a plot of land or real estate that belongs to someone. This word is often used when discussing the size, location, or boundaries of a piece of land or the area around a building. For example: The house is located on a large property - (その家は広い敷地にある). The company bought a new property to build their headquarters - (その会社は本社を建てる新しい敷地を買った).
大地: "Ground". The Japanese noun '大地 (だいち)' refers to the ground, earth or land. It can be used to describe the physical surface of the planet that we live on. It conveys a sense of the vastness and solidity of the earth's landmass. For example: She ran across the vast ground - (彼女は広大な大地を走った). The mountains rise up from the ground - (山々が大地から聳え立つ).
地名: "Place name". The Japanese noun '地名 (ちめい)' refers to a proper name that designates a specific geographic location, such as a city, town, village, or region. These names are often derived from the local language or culture and can provide information about the history, geography, or features of a place. For example: Tokyo is the capital city of Japan - (東京は日本の首都です). The town of Kyoto has many historic temples - (京都には多くの歴史的寺院があります).
地下道: "Underpass". The Japanese noun '地下道 (ちかどう)' refers to an 'underpass', which is an underground passage or tunnel that allows pedestrians or vehicles to cross under a road, railway, or other obstacle. This type of structure is commonly found in urban areas to facilitate the flow of traffic and make it safer for people to cross. For example: The pedestrian underpass connects the two sides of the busy street - (歩行者地下道は、混雑した道路の両側を接続している).
余地: "Space" or "Room". The noun '余地 (よち)' refers to the availability of space or room for something. It can be used to describe the physical space or capacity that is left or available, as well as the opportunity or potential for something to happen or be accommodated. For example: There is plenty of space left - (余地がたくさんある). The project has room for improvement - (その企画には余地がある).
意地: "Stubbornness". The Japanese noun '意地 (いじ)' refers to stubbornness or obstinacy. It describes a strong-willed and determined attitude, often to the point of being inflexible or uncompromising. This word is used to convey a sense of pride, self-will, or unwillingness to back down, even in the face of opposition or adversity. For example: His stubbornness caused him to refuse to apologize - (彼の意地のために謝ることを拒んだ). She is so stubborn and won't change her mind - (彼女はとても意地が強く、考えを変えないでいる).
地形: "Terrain". The Japanese word '地形 (ちけい)' means 'terrain'. It refers to the physical features and characteristics of a specific geographic area or landscape, such as hills, valleys, mountains, plains, etc. It can be used to describe the overall topographical layout of a region. For example: The terrain in this area is quite hilly - (この地域の地形は非常に丘陵地帯です). The flat terrain makes it easy to build roads - (平坦な地形のおかげでここは道路を作りやすい).
目的地: "Destination". The Japanese noun '目的地 (もくてきち)' means 'destination'. It refers to the place where someone or something is going, or the final point of a journey. This word is commonly used when discussing travel plans, directions, or the end goal of an activity. For example: I arrived at my destination - (私は目的地に到着した). The destination is far away - (目的地はとても遠い).
地平線: "Horizon". The Japanese noun '地平線 (ちへいせん)' refers to the line where the earth and sky appear to meet. This is the horizon that can be seen in the distance, especially when looking at a flat landscape or the ocean. The horizon is an important reference point for navigation and orientation. Example sentences: I could see the sun setting on the horizon - (地平線に沈む夕日が見えた). The horizon seemed to stretch on forever - (地平線が果てしなく続いているように見えた).
遊園地: "Amusement park". The Japanese noun '遊園地 (ゆうえんち)' refers to an amusement park, a place with various rides, attractions, and entertainment for the enjoyment of visitors. It is a popular destination for families, children, and those seeking leisure and recreation. For example: We went to the amusement park yesterday - (昨日遊園地に行きました). Let's go to the amusement park this weekend - (今週末遊園地に行きましょう).
地主: "Landlord". The Japanese noun '地主 (じぬし)' refers to a landlord, someone who owns property that they rent out to others. This term is commonly used to describe the owner of land, houses, or apartments that are rented to tenants. For example: The landlord raised the rent - (地主は家賃を値上げした). The wealthy landlord owns several properties - (金持ちの地主はいくつかの物件を所有している).
団地: "Housing complex". The Japanese noun '団地 (だんち)' refers to a housing complex or apartment complex. It typically consists of multiple apartment buildings located in the same area. These housing complexes are very common in Japan, especially in urban areas, and provide affordable residences for many people. For example: I live in a housing complex - (私は団地に住んでいます). That large building is a housing complex - (あの大きな建物は団地です).
墓地: "Cemetery". The Japanese noun '墓地 (ぼち)' refers to a cemetery or graveyard. This is a place where people are buried after they die. Cemeteries can be found in many places, such as near temples or churches, and are respected as sacred grounds. For example: I visited my ancestors' graves at the local cemetery - (私は、地元の墓地で先祖の墓参りに行きました).
盆地: "Basin". The Japanese noun '盆地 (ぼんち)' refers to a basin or depression in the earth's surface, typically enclosed and surrounded by higher ground. This landform is a common geological feature in mountainous regions, where it is formed by glacial or fluvial erosion. Bonchi are often characterized by fertile soil and a favorable microclimate, making them suitable for agricultural activities. For example: The town is located in a scenic mountain basin - (その町は美しい山の盆地に位置している).
To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.
But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.
Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.
This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:
The hiragana "じ" is read as "ji". And The hiragana "ち" is read as "chi".
