宇宙
uchū[ɯ̟t͡ɕɨː]
The English word 'cosmos' can be translated into Japanese as 宇宙 (uchū) or コスモス.
Meaning: universe regarded as a system with harmony and order (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 宇宙 | uchū | [ɯ̟t͡ɕɨː] (narrow) |
| コスモス | kosumosu |
宇宙 refers to the universe as a whole and is the term used when discussing the cosmos as a system. In scientific or astronomical contexts, the phrase 宇宙空間 is often used to specifically emphasize the 'space' aspect of the cosmos. To describe things that are distant and unreachable, you can use the phrase 宇宙の彼方 (beyond the cosmos) and to refer to the furthest reaches of the universe, you can use 宇宙の果て (the end of the cosmos).
Which one should you use?
宇宙 is the standard, most common way to say 'universe' or 'space' in both scientific and everyday contexts. In contrast, コスモス is also used in Japanese to refer to the cosmos flower.
How do you pronounce it?
uchū
Did you know?
- While 宇宙 means 'universe', its individual characters translate literally to 'evening' and 'void' or 'empty space'.
- Japanese Buddhist philosophy sometimes uses 宇宙 to describe the internal universe of the mind, suggesting that a single person contains the same order as the outer cosmos.
- Japanese people often use the phrase 宇宙人 to refer to 'aliens', literally translating to 'universe person'.
Examples in context
- 宇宙は無限に広がっている。The cosmos is expanding infinitely.
- この映画は宇宙空間での冒険を描いている。This movie depicts an adventure in space.
- コスモスにはどんな未知なる世界が広がっているのだろう。What unknown worlds lie within the cosmos?
- 彼女の想像力は宇宙の彼方に広がっていた。Her imagination stretched beyond the cosmos.
- 宇宙の果てにはまだ解明されていない謎が存在する。There are still unsolved mysteries at the edge of the cosmos.
- 宇宙の法則は不思議だ。uchuu no housoku wa fushigi da.The laws of the cosmos are mysterious.
- 宇宙は秩序に満ちている。uchuu wa chitsujo ni michite iru.The cosmos is filled with order.
- 宇宙の仕組みを学びたい。uchuu no shikumi o manabitai.I want to learn how the cosmos works.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a starry sky through a telescope.
- 陽太 Yota宇宙は本当に美しいね。uchuu wa hontou ni utsukushii ne.The cosmos is truly beautiful, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiええ、とても壮大だわ。ee, totemo soudai da wa.Yes, it is very grand.
- 陽太 Yotaこの広大な宇宙の一部なんだね。kono koudai na uchuu no ichibu nanda ne.We are just part of this vast cosmos.
- 美咲 Misakiそう思うと、謙虚な気持ちになるわ。sou omou to, kenkyo na kimochi ni naru wa.Thinking that way makes me feel humble.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cosmos” translations and entries 宇宙, コスモス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
