オン
on
The English preposition 'on' can be expressed in Japanese using the loanword オン.
In Japanese, the loanword オン is used to represent the English word 'on'. However, it is important to note that for the common prepositional meaning of being positioned on a surface or resting against something, standard Japanese typically uses the native construction 上に (ue ni) instead of the loanword.
Meaning: positioned at or resting against the outer surface of, attached to (prep)
How do you pronounce it?
on
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you want to say that something is positioned on a surface, avoid using the loanword オン and use the native construction 上に (ue ni) instead.
Did you know?
- The phrase オン is often paired with its opposite オフ (off) to describe a person's public persona versus their private self.
- While オン refers to a switch, the native Japanese word for 'turning on' a light or appliance is つける (tsukeru), which literally means 'to attach'.
- In Japanese gaming culture, オン is frequently used as shorthand for 'online play' or 'logging in' to a server.
Examples in context
- ストラットフォード・オン・エイヴォンは、シェイクスピアの生まれたところですが、毎年多くの観光客が訪れます。Stratford-on-Avon, where Shakespeare was born, is visited by many tourists every year.This sentence shows how オン appears in the name of a location.Tatoeba #214588 by wat, translation #51881 by CK
- ライオンが獲物を襲ったかのように、子猫はおもちゃの上に跳んだ。Like a lion attacking its prey, the kitten jumped on its toy.This sentence shows the use of オン in a comparative context.Tatoeba #1780324 by Bah_Dure, translation #1780322 by Bah_Dure
- テレビをつけて。Turn on the television.
- コンピューターの起動はこちらのボタンで行ってください。Please start up the computer using this button.
- パソコンをオンにして。Turn on the computer.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are in a room with a light switch.
- 蓮 Renここがスイッチだよ。Koko ga suitchi dayo.Here is the switch.
- 陽葵 Himariどうやって使うの？Dou yatte tsukau no?How do I use it?
- 蓮 Renこのボタンをオンにして。Kono botan o on ni shite.Turn this button on.
- 陽葵 Himariわかった、明るくなったね。Wakatta, akaruku natta ne.I got it, it got brighter.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
