板

• Reading: いた
• Romaji: ita
• Kanji breakdown: 板 (ban/ita) — board, plank; composed of 木 (wood) + 反 (flat)
• Pronunciation: /i.ta/

Meaning

Board; plank; plate. A flat piece of wood, metal, or other material.

A noun for a flat, thin piece of material, most commonly wood. Used in many compound words: まな板 (cutting board), 板チョコ (bar of chocolate), 看板 (signboard), 黒板 (blackboard). Also used in internet culture to refer to a message board or forum section. Can describe flat surfaces in general.

Examples

1. 古い板を使って棚を作った。 I made a shelf using old boards.
2. まな板の上で野菜を切ってください。 Please cut the vegetables on the cutting board.
3. 床の板が一枚壊れている。 One of the floorboards is broken.

Usage Guide

Context: DIY, cooking, construction

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 板 combines 木 (wood) and 反 (flat, turn over), reflecting the image of a flat piece of wood.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal