沖縄
Okinawa[o̞kʲina̠β̞a̠]
Okinawa is the English name for the Japanese prefecture Okinawa, written as 沖縄. If unsure, use 沖縄. Wiktionary also lists 沖縄県 (Okinawa-ken).
Meaning: prefecture (name)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 沖縄 | Okinawa | [o̞kʲina̠β̞a̠] (narrow) |
| 沖縄県 | Okinawa-ken | [o̞kʲina̠β̞a̠kẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
In the form 沖縄県, the suffix 県 (ken) means 'prefecture'.
Which one should you use?
沖縄 (Okinawa) refers to the name of the place itself, whereas 沖縄県 (Okinawa-ken) specifically refers to the administrative prefecture.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term うちなー (Uchinaa) reflects the local dialect spoken in Okinawa.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing movement toward Okinawa, the particle に (ni) or へ (e) is used after the name. The particle で (de) is used after 沖縄 to indicate the location where an action or event takes place.
How do you pronounce it?
Okinawa
Did you know?
- The Ryukyu Islands, including 沖縄, were once an independent kingdom with their own diplomatic ties to China before becoming part of Japan.
- The name 沖縄 literally translates to 'offshore rope' in Japanese, referring to the chain of islands stretching through the sea.
- The local Okinawan language is distinct enough from standard Japanese that they are often not mutually intelligible.
Examples in context
- 沖縄ではたくさん雨が降る。It rains a lot in Okinawa.This sentence shows the use of the particle で with 沖縄 to indicate location.Tatoeba #188455 by KK_kaku_, translation #516613 by kebukebu
- 沖縄に行ったことはありますか？Have you ever been to Okinawa?This sentence shows the use of the particle に with 沖縄 to indicate movement toward a place.Tatoeba #2724966 by tommy_san, translation #843003 by J_S
- 沖縄は他の日本と文化的に異なる。Okinawa is different from Japan culturally.This sentence uses 沖縄 as the subject of the sentence.Tatoeba #5845195 by joejames, translation #6044832 by alvinsbored
- 沖縄の歴史と文化は非常に興味深いです。The history and culture of Okinawa are very fascinating.
- 今度の夏、おきなわに行くつもりです。I plan to go to Okinawa this summer.
- うちなーの海はとても美しいです。The sea in Okinawa is very beautiful.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are talking about their next vacation.
- 陽太 Yota次の休みは沖縄に行きたいな。Tsugi no yasumi wa Okinawa ni ikitai na.I want to go to Okinawa for the next holiday.
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね！沖縄で何をしたいですか？Ii desu ne! Okinawa de nani o shitai desu ka?That sounds great! What do you want to do in Okinawa?
- 陽太 Yota沖縄の海で泳ぎたいです。Okinawa no umi de oyogitai desu.I want to swim in the sea of Okinawa.
- 結衣 Yui私も一緒に行きたいです。Watashi mo issho ni ikitai desu.I want to go with you too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “okinawa” translations and entries 沖縄, 沖縄県, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 沖縄, 沖縄県, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
