涙

• Reading: なみだ
• Romaji: namida
• Kanji breakdown: 涙 (rui/namida) — tear, teardrop
• Pronunciation: /na.mi.da/

Meaning

A tear; tears shed from the eyes, typically from emotion.

A noun referring to tears, used in both literal and emotionally expressive contexts. Common expressions: 涙を流す (namida wo nagasu, to shed tears), 涙が出る (namida ga deru, tears come out), うれし涙 (ureshi namida, tears of joy). Deeply embedded in Japanese literary and emotional expression. The word carries strong emotional weight and is frequently used in songs, poetry, and drama.

Examples

1. 感動的な映画を見て涙が出た。 I shed tears watching the moving film.
2. 卒業式で先生の言葉に涙を流した。 At the graduation ceremony, the teacher's words brought me to tears.
3. 久しぶりに会えてうれし涙が止まらなかった。 I was so happy to see them again after so long that I couldn't stop my tears of joy.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, ceremonies, stories

Tone: emotional

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 涙 combines 氵 (water radical) and 戻 (to return), possibly suggesting water that returns from the eyes.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal