宇宙
uchū[ɯ̟t͡ɕɨː]
The English phrase 'universe' is translated into Japanese as 宇宙 (uchū).
宇宙 refers to the sum of everything that exists. It is also the most common way to refer to 'outer space' in a general sense.
Meaning: sum of everything that exists (name)
Did you know?
- In Buddhist-influenced Japanese, the concept of 'multiverses' is expressed through terms like 三千大千世界, implying a number of universes so large it is effectively infinite.
- The kanji for 'space' in 宇宙, namely 宇, originally referred to the eaves or the roof of a house.
- The kanji for 宇宙 is composed of two characters that both relate to the concept of 'emptiness' or 'void' in ancient East Asian philosophy.
Examples in context
- 宇宙は無限だ。The universe is endless.Tatoeba #1160482 by bunbuku, translation #682267 by Source_VOA
- 宇宙は膨張しています。Our universe is expanding.Tatoeba #5082857 by Andy_Andy, translation #3957994 by Hybrid
- 宇宙には無数の星がある。There are innumerable stars in the universe.Tatoeba #189884 by tommy_san, translation #27040 by sundown
- 宇宙は私たちの知っているあらゆる存在を包み込んでいます。The universe encompasses everything known to us.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are looking at a star map in a classroom.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮君、宇宙って本当に広いよね。Ren-kun, uchuu tte hontou ni hiroi yo ne.Ren, the universe is truly vast, isn't it?
- 蓮 Renそうだね、陽葵さんもそう思う？Sou da ne, Himari-san mo sou omou?That's true. Do you think so too, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himariええ、すごく神秘的だと思う。Ee, sugoku shinpiteki da to omou.Yes, I think it is very mysterious.
- 蓮 Renいつか宇宙に行けたらいいな。Itsuka uchuu ni iketara ii na.I wish I could go to space one day.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 宇宙, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
