Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 空 | sora | [so̞ɾa̠] (narrow) [ka̠ɾa̠] (narrow) |
| 大空 | ōzora | [o̞ːzo̞ɾa̠] (narrow) [ta̠ikɯ̟ː] (narrow) |
| 天空 | tenkū | [tẽ̞ŋkɯ̟ː] (narrow) |
| 天 | ame | [a̠ma̠] (narrow) [a̠me̞] (narrow) |
The most common way to say sky in Japanese is 空. Other terms exist to describe specific qualities of the sky, such as its vastness or its celestial nature. For example, the term 満天 is a specific expression used to describe a sky that is completely filled with stars.
What does it mean word for word?
The kanji used in 空 can mean both 'sky' and 'empty' or 'void' depending on the context and how it is read.
Which one should you use?
While 空 is the standard, everyday word for sky, 大空 is used to emphasize the vastness, openness or grandeur of the sky, translated as 'big sky'. 天空 refers specifically to the heavens or the firmament.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
天空 is a more formal or literary term for the sky, often used in poetry or to describe the heavens in a grand, celestial sense.
How do you pronounce it?
sora
Did you know?
- In a Buddhist context, the word 空 is used to translate the Sanskrit concept of śūnyatā, which refers to the philosophical idea of emptiness or voidness.
Examples in context
- 空が晴れた。The sky has become clear.This sentence shows how to describe the sky becoming clear using 空.Tatoeba #179482 by wat, translation #18341 by CK
- 満天の星だ。The sky is full of stars.This sentence demonstrates the expression for a sky full of stars using 天.Tatoeba #10654422 by bunbuku, translation #18278 by CK
- 空を仰ぎ見る。I looked up at the sky.This sentence shows the action of looking up at the sky using 空.Tatoeba #179412 by KK_kaku_, translation #9241150 by CK
- Kyō wa sora ga harete imasu (今日は空が晴れています)The sky is clear today
- Yozora ni hoshi ga kirameiteimasu (夜空に星が煌めいています)The stars shine brightly in the night sky
- Suteki na sora o mite! (素敵な空を見て！)Look at the beautiful sky!
- 191 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a park on a clear day.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔くん、見て！空がすごく綺麗だよ。Hiroto-kun, mite! Sora ga sugoku kirei dayo.Hiroto, look! The sky is so beautiful.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ、美咲。とても澄んだ空だね。Hontou da, Misaki. Totemo sunda sora dane.You're right, Misaki. It is a very clear sky.
- 美咲 Misaki今日は絶好のお散歩日和だね。Kyou wa zekkou no osanpo biyori dane.It's perfect weather for a walk today.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね、気持ちがいいね。Sou dane, kimochi ga ii ne.It sure is, it feels great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sky” translations and entries 空, 大空, 天空, 天, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 大空, 天, 空, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
