洞窟
dōkutsu[do̞ːkɯ̟̊t͡sɨ]
The English phrase 'cave' is translated into Japanese as 洞窟 (dōkutsu). Wiktionary also lists 洞 (hora) and 洞穴 (horaana).
Meaning: large, naturally occurring cavity formed underground (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 洞窟 | dōkutsu | [do̞ːkɯ̟̊t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| 洞 | hora | [ho̞ɾa̠] (narrow) |
| 洞穴 | horaana | [ho̞ɾa̠a̠na̠] (narrow) [do̞ːke̞t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
The term refers to a large, naturally occurring cavity formed underground.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 洞穴 (horaana) is a compound consisting of 洞 (hole/cave) and 穴 (hole/cavity).
Which one should you use?
洞窟 (dōkutsu) is the standard, more formal or scientific term often used in geography or literature.
How do you pronounce it?
dōkutsu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistake the single kanji 洞 (hora) for a complete word for 'cave', but it is usually used as a component of a larger word like 洞穴 or 洞窟.
Did you know?
- In modern Japanese slang, 穴場 (anaba), which uses the character for 'hole' from 洞穴, refers to a 'hidden gem' or a secret spot known only to a few.
- In traditional Japanese theater like 'Noh', caves are often represented by a simple painted backdrop or a specific poetic phrase rather than a physical set piece.
- The kanji 洞 (hora) can also be used in names, sometimes implying a sense of depth or hidden wisdom.
Examples in context
- 洞窟は真っ暗だった。It was pitch-dark in the cave.This sentence is useful for describing the darkness inside a 洞窟.Tatoeba #11195158 by small_snow, translation #11085878 by sundown
- 洞窟は蛍でいっぱいだ。The cave is full of fireflies.This sentence is useful for describing a 洞窟 filled with fireflies.Tatoeba #8823605 by small_snow, translation #1294352 by marcelostockle
- トムは洞窟に入ったよ。Tom entered the cave.This sentence is useful for stating that someone entered a 洞窟.Tatoeba #9106984 by small_snow, translation #9106983 by CK
- 彼らは洞窟の奥へ向かった。They headed deeper into the cave.
- 昨日、洞穴を探検したよ！Yesterday, I explored a cave!
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a hiking trip.
- 美咲 Misakiあの大きな洞窟に行きたいな。Ano ookina doukutsu ni ikitai na.I want to go to that large cave.
- 大翔 Hirotoあそこは洞窟がとても深いよ。Asoko wa doukutsu ga totemo fukai yo.That cave is very deep.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔君は怖くないの？Hiroto-kun wa kowakunai no?Aren't you scared, Hiroto?
- 大翔 Hiroto少しだけ怖いけど、冒険したいんだ。Sukoshi dake kowai kedo, bouken shitai n da.I'm a little scared, but I want to go on an adventure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cave” translations and entries 洞窟, 洞, 洞穴, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
