列島

• Reading: れっとう
• Romaji: rettou
• Kanji breakdown: 列 (retsu) — row, line; 島 (tou/shima) — island
• Pronunciation: /ɾet.toː/

Meaning

Archipelago; chain of islands. A group of islands arranged in a line or cluster.

Most commonly encountered in 日本列島 (the Japanese archipelago). The word emphasizes the linear arrangement of islands. Frequently appears in geography lessons, weather forecasts, and news about natural disasters affecting the whole country.

Examples

1. 日本列島は四つの大きな島からできている。 The Japanese archipelago is made up of four major islands.
2. 台風が列島に沿って北上している。 The typhoon is moving northward along the archipelago.
3. この列島には珍しい動物がたくさんいる。 This archipelago is home to many rare animals.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, weather, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 列 (retsu, row/line) and 島 (tou, island). Literally 'row of islands,' describing islands arranged in a chain.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal