熟語
jukugo[d͡ʑɨkɯ̟ɡo̞]
The English phrase "idiom" can be translated into Japanese as 熟語 (jukugo). Wiktionary also lists 成句 (seiku) and 慣用語 (kan'yōgo).
Meaning: idiomatic expression (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 熟語 | jukugo | [d͡ʑɨkɯ̟ɡo̞] (narrow) |
| 成句 | seiku | [se̞ːkɯ̟̊] (narrow) |
| 慣用語 | kan'yōgo | [kã̠ɰ̃jo̞ːɡo̞] (narrow) |
| 慣用句 | kan'yōku | [kã̠ɰ̃jo̞ːkɯ̟] (narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
The term 慣用句 (kan'yōku) is composed of 慣用 meaning customary or habitual and 句 meaning phrase.
Which one should you use?
熟語 (jukugo) can also refer to simple two-kanji compounds. 慣用句 (kan'yōku) specifically refers to fixed idiomatic phrases where the meaning is not literal. The other forms provided are 成句 (seiku), 慣用語 (kan'yōgo) and 慣用句 (kan'yōku).
How do you pronounce it?
jukugo
Did you know?
- The word 熟語 (jukugo) literally translates to 'ripe words', suggesting that the characters have 'matured' together to form a single unit of meaning.
- Many Japanese idioms involve body parts, such as 'nose' or 'ear', in ways that have no direct equivalent in English-speaking cultures.
- In a Japanese classroom, a student might be asked to study 四字熟語 (yojijukugo), which are specifically four-character idioms that capture a complex philosophical concept.
Examples in context
- 四字熟語とは四文字の熟語のことです。A "yo-ji-juku-go" in Japanese is an idiom made from a compound of four characters.This sentence explains the concept of a 熟語 consisting of four characters.Tatoeba #8534387 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #10765281 by end
- 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず。No risk, no reward. You need to take a chance to achieve success.
- 猿も木から落ちる。Even experts make mistakes. No one is infallible.
- 石の上にも三年。Patience and perseverance will lead to success.
- この熟語の意味を教えてください。Kono jukugo no imi o oshiete kudasai.Please tell me the meaning of this idiom.
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are studying for a Japanese test.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さん、この熟語はどう読みますか？Hiroto-san, kono jukugo wa dō yomimasu ka?Hiroto, how do you read this idiom?
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは「一生懸命」と読みます。Sore wa 'isshōkenmei' to yomimasu.That is read as 'isshōkenmei'.
- 結衣 Yuiなるほど。使い方が難しいです。Naruhodo. Tsukaikata ga muzukashii desu.I see. The usage is difficult.
- 大翔 Hiroto一緒に練習しましょう。Issho ni renshū shimashō.Let's practice together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiom” translations and entries 熟語, 成句, 慣用語, 慣用句, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 慣用語, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
