宇宙
uchū[ɯ̟t͡ɕɨː]
In Japanese, the word for space is 宇宙 (uchū).
The term 宇宙 is used to refer to outer space.
Meaning: a gap, an empty place (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use 宇宙 when referring to the universe or outer space, rather than a physical gap or room. If you mean a physical gap or a space between two objects, use 隙間 instead of 宇宙. Use 空間 to refer to a three-dimensional space or the concept of 'space' in an architectural or abstract sense.
How do you pronounce it?
uchū
Did you know?
- The first character of 宇宙 means 'sky' or 'void' and the second means 'room' or 'house'. Together they literally describe the universe as a 'vast house'.
- Japanese has a unique word 間 (ma), which refers to the space or pause between two things. It is a fundamental concept in Japanese timing and social distance that has no direct single-word English equivalent.
- The word スペース (supēsu) is frequently used in daily conversation to refer to physical room or 'space' available, borrowed directly from English.
Examples in context
- 宇宙旅行は危険だよ。Space travel is dangerous.This sentence shows how to use 宇宙 when discussing the dangers of travel.Tatoeba #12700729 by small_snow, translation #5196339 by Hybrid
- 宇宙空間には空気がない。There is no air in space.This sentence uses 宇宙 to describe the lack of air in space.Tatoeba #189874 by KK_kaku_, translation #27030 by ToxicFriu
- 宇宙は神秘に満ちている。Space is full of mystery.This sentence uses 宇宙 to describe the mysterious nature of space.Tatoeba #189877 by bunbuku, translation #27033 by ToxicFriu
- この美術館は芸術的な空間を提供しています。This art museum provides an artistic space.
- このお店はコンパクトな店内の空間を活かしています。This shop makes good use of the compact space inside.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are looking at the stars at night.
- 健太 Kenta宇宙の広さは想像できないね。Uchū no hirosa wa sōzō dekinai ne.The vastness of space is unimaginable, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misaki本当に。宇宙には何があるのかな。Hontō ni. Uchū ni wa nani ga aru no kana.Truly. I wonder what is out there in space.
- 健太 Kentaいつか宇宙へ行ってみたいよ。Itsuka uchū e itte mitai yo.I want to go to space someday.
- 美咲 Misaki健太ならきっと行けるよ。Kenta nara kitto ikeru yo.I'm sure you can do it, Kenta.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 宇宙, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
