愛知
Aichi
In Japan, Aichi is written 愛知 in Japanese and read Aichi.
This is the name of the prefecture in central Japan whose capital is Nagoya. It appears on maps, addresses and train signs.
What does it mean word for word?
The first character 愛 means love and the second 知 means knowledge or to know.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you mean the prefecture as an administrative unit, Japanese adds the word for prefecture after the name.
How do you pronounce it?
Say Aichi as three short syllables, a, i and chi, with no stress on any of them.
Did you know?
- In the local Nagoya dialect spoken in Aichi, people often use the word ya instead of the standard da to say 'it is'. This creates a distinct rhythmic sound that differs from the standard Japanese spoken in Tokyo.
- Although Aichi is the administrative name, the area is historically famous for the Owari and Mikawa provinces. These ancient divisions are still used today in the names of local foods and traditional crafts.
- The character 愛 in Aichi is one of the most complex common kanji, consisting of 13 strokes. It is frequently used in Japanese calligraphy practice because of its balanced and aesthetic shape.
Examples in context
- 愛知に行きたいです。Aichi ni ikitai desu.I want to go to Aichi.
- 愛知はどこにありますか。Aichi wa doko ni arimasu ka.Where is Aichi?
- 愛知の出身です。Aichi no shusshin desu.I am from Aichi.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking about their hometowns.
- 結衣 Yui陽太さんはどこから来ましたか？Yōta-san wa doko kara kimashita ka?Where are you from, Yota?
- 陽太 Yota私は愛知から来ました。Watashi wa Aichi kara kimashita.I come from Aichi.
- 結衣 Yui愛知はいいところですね。Aichi wa ii tokoro desu ne.Aichi is a nice place, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、とても好きです。Hai, totemo suki desu.Yes, I like it very much.
