壁
kabe[ka̠be̞]
The English word "wall" is translated into Japanese as 壁 (kabe).
壁 refers to a substantial structure acting as a side or division in a building. It can be used metaphorically to describe an obstacle or a barrier between people, such as a psychological wall. 壁面 specifically refers to the surface or façade of a wall. 仕切り can be applied to refer to walls that separate different areas within a room or building.
Meaning: substantial structure acting as side or division in a building (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kabe
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese architecture, many 'walls' were actually sliding screens called 障子 or 襖, which do not function like solid masonry walls.
- In Japanese athletics, the term 壁 is used to describe 'the wall', a point in a marathon where a runner's energy is completely depleted.
- The components of 壁 are 'place' and 'division', implying that a wall is literally a 'dividing place'.
Examples in context
- 壁に登るな。Don't climb on the wall.This sentence is useful for practicing the word 壁.Tatoeba #8619699 by small_snow, translation #6034870 by AlanF_US
- 壁の絵を見て。Look at the picture on the wall.Tatoeba #83453 by small_snow, translation #63575 by CK
- 壁にもたれるな。Don't lean against the wall.Tatoeba #83468 by small_snow, translation #44088 by kebukebu
- 私は絵を壁にかけます。I hang a picture on the wall.
- 96 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiroto and Yui are painting a room in their house.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの壁を白く塗りましょうか。Kono kabe o shiroku nurimashou ka.Shall we paint this wall white?
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね。とても明るくなると思います。Ii desu ne. Totemo akaruku naru to omoimasu.That sounds good. I think it will become very bright.
- 大翔 Hiroto壁に汚れがあるから、先に掃除します。Kabe ni yogore ga aru kara, saki ni souji shimasu.There is some dirt on the wall, so I will clean it first.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、大翔くん。Arigatou, Hiroto-kun.Thank you, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wall” translations and entries 壁, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 壁, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
