壁
kabe[ka̠be̞]
The English word "wall" is 壁 (kabe) in Japanese.
壁 (kabe) refers to a substantial structure acting as a side or division in a building. It can describe physical structural walls in buildings as well as metaphorical barriers or obstacles. In specific contexts, other terms are used: 壁面 refers to a wall surface, especially in architecture or design. 城壁 means a castle wall. And 仕切り can be used to describe a partition or dividing wall within a room or building.
Meaning: substantial structure acting as side or division in a building (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that something is attached to or placed on a wall, use the particle に after 壁 to form 壁に (on/to the wall).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kabe.
Did you know?
- While 壁 refers to a structural wall, the word 垣 (kaki) is used specifically for garden walls or fences, though both are types of 'walls' in English.
- Japanese uses the term 壁 in the expression 壁に耳あり, which means 'walls have ears'. This is used to warn someone that they might be overheard.
- The word 壁 is used in the phrase 壁にぶつかる, which literally means 'to hit a wall' but is commonly used to describe hitting a plateau in one's personal growth or skills.
Examples in context
- 壁に登るな。Don't climb on the wall.This sentence is useful for expressing a prohibition against climbing on the 壁.Tatoeba #8619699 by small_snow, translation #6034870 by AlanF_US
- 壁の絵を見て。Look at the picture on the wall.This sentence is useful for directing someone to look at a picture on the 壁.Tatoeba #83453 by small_snow, translation #63575 by CK
- 壁にもたれるな。Don't lean against the wall.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to lean against the 壁.Tatoeba #83468 by small_snow, translation #44088 by kebukebu
- この建物の壁は白いです。The walls of this building are white.
- 壁面に絵を飾りましょう。Let's decorate the wall surface with a painting.
- うちの庭に高い塀があるよ。There is a tall fence in my garden.
- 96 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are looking at a new apartment.
- 健太 Kentaこの壁はとても厚いね。Kono kabe wa totemo atsui ne.This wall is very thick, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiええ、隣の音が聞こえないわ。Ee, tonari no oto ga kikoenai wa.Yes, I can't hear the noise from next door.
- 健太 Kenta壁の色も気に入ったよ。Kabe no iro mo kiniitta yo.I also like the color of the wall.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、本当に素敵ね。Kenta-san, hontou ni suteki ne.It's really wonderful, Kenta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wall” translations and entries 壁, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
