地図
chizu[t͡ɕizɨ]
The English word 'map' in Japanese is translated as 地図 (chizu). Wiktionary also lists マップ (mappu).
Meaning: visual representation of an area (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 地図 | chizu | [t͡ɕizɨ] (narrow) |
| マップ | mappu | [ma̠p̚pɯ̟] (narrow) |
地図 is the most common and natural way to refer to physical or general maps in everyday conversation.
Which one should you use?
While 地図 is the standard Japanese word for map, マップ is a loanword from English often used in digital contexts like video game maps or software interfaces.
How do you pronounce it?
chizu
Did you know?
- There is a specific term 白地図 which refers to a 'blank map' used in schools for geography tests where students must fill in the names of regions.
- The word 地図 is composed of two characters meaning 'ground' and 'drawing'. In ancient times, these characters were used to describe the layout of the earth rather than a portable tool for navigation.
- In Japanese business contexts, マップ is frequently used as part of 'concept maps' or 'road maps' for project planning, even when no actual geography is involved.
Examples in context
- 道路地図を下さい。May I have a road map?This sentence is useful for asking for a road map using 地図.Tatoeba #123496 by bunbuku, translation #280501 by Eldad
- 市内地図をください。I'd like a map of the city.This sentence is useful for requesting a city map using 地図.Tatoeba #168306 by bunbuku, translation #246184 by CK
- これは道路地図です。This is a road map.This sentence is useful for identifying a road map using 地図.Tatoeba #218173 by bunbuku, translation #55484 by CK
- 田中さん、このエリアの地図を持っていますか？Tanaka, do you have a map of this area?
- 九州の地図帳でどのページに観光名所が載っていますか？Which page of the Kyushu atlas lists the tourist attractions?
- 109 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are lost in the city.
- 美咲 Misaki健太、地図はある？Kenta, chizu wa aru?Kenta, do you have a map?
- 健太 Kentaううん、持ってないよ。Uun, mottenai yo.No, I don't have one.
- 美咲 Misakiじゃあ、地図を買いに行こう。Jaa, chizu o kai ni ikou.Then, let's go buy a map.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。そうしよう。Sou da ne. Sou shiyou.You're right. Let's do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “map” translations and entries 地図, マップ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
