半島

• Reading: はんとう
• Romaji: hantou
• Kanji breakdown: 半 (han) — half; 島 (tou/shima) — island
• Pronunciation: /ha.n.toː/

Meaning

Peninsula. A piece of land surrounded by water on three sides.

Frequently used in Japanese geography since Japan has many notable peninsulas. Often appears in place names such as 能登半島 (Noto Peninsula) or 紀伊半島 (Kii Peninsula). A standard geography term used from elementary school onward.

Examples

1. 能登半島は石川県にある美しい場所だ。 The Noto Peninsula is a beautiful place in Ishikawa Prefecture.
2. この半島の先端には古い灯台がある。 There is an old lighthouse at the tip of this peninsula.
3. イタリアは半島の形をした国として有名だ。 Italy is famous as a country shaped like a peninsula.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, travel, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 半 (han, half) and 島 (tou, island). Literally 'half island,' describing land that is partially surrounded by water like an island.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal