タワー
tawā[ta̠β̞a̠ː]
The English word 'tower' is translated into Japanese as タワー (tawā) or 塔.
Meaning: tall, narrow structure (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| タワー | tawā | [ta̠β̞a̠ː] (narrow) |
| 塔 | tō | [to̞ː] (narrow) [a̠ɾa̠ɾa̠ɡʲi] (narrow) |
Both forms refer to a tall, narrow structure, but they are used in different contexts depending on the nature of the building.
Which one should you use?
The kanji form 塔 (tō) is typically used for historical, religious or ancient structures, such as pagodas or stone towers. In contrast, the katakana form タワー (tawā) is typically used for modern, Western-style structures or the names of specific buildings, such as Tokyo Tower.
How do you pronounce it?
tawā
Did you know?
- In the early 10th century, the word for tower was written using the kanji 蘭 (araragi), which literally means 'wild onion'.
- While 塔 refers to a tower, its root 卒塔婆 ('sotoba') is still used today to refer to the wooden memorial tablets placed at gravesites in Buddhist cemeteries.
- Certain traditional Japanese towers are designed with a 'shinbashira' or center pillar that is not attached to the other floors to help the structure survive earthquakes.
Examples in context
- あれは塔です。That's a tower.This sentence is useful for identifying a tower using 塔.Tatoeba #229682 by KK_kaku_, translation #593267 by CK
- 遠くに塔が見えた。We saw the tower in the distance.This sentence is useful for describing seeing a tower in the distance using 塔.Tatoeba #188681 by bunbuku, translation #25827 by CK
- 雷がその塔に落ちた。Lightning struck the tower.This sentence is useful for describing lightning striking a tower using 塔.Tatoeba #78557 by bunbuku, translation #325159 by CK
- 東京タワーはとても有名です。The Tokyo Tower is very famous.
- あそこのビルの上にタワーがある。There is a tower on top of that building.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are looking at a city skyline from a viewpoint.
- 健太 Kentaあのタワーはとても高いですね。Ano tawā wa totemo takai desu ne.That tower is very tall, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、夜のライトアップも綺麗ですよ。Hai, yoru no raitoappu mo kirei desu yo.Yes, the illumination at night is beautiful too.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さん、あそこまで歩きましょう。Misaki-san, asoko made arukimashō.Misaki, let's walk over there.
- 美咲 Misakiいいですね、行きましょう。Ii desu ne, ikimashō.That sounds good, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tower” translations and entries タワー, 塔, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries タワー, 塔, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
