城

• Reading: しろ
• Romaji: shiro
• Kanji breakdown: 城 (shiro/jou) — castle, fortress
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ɾo/

Meaning

Castle. A fortified structure built for defence and residence, especially by feudal lords.

A noun referring to Japanese castles, which are iconic symbols of Japanese history and culture. Many famous castles like 姫路城 and 大阪城 are popular tourist destinations. Also used figuratively in expressions like 砂の城 (castle of sand, meaning something fragile). The kun'yomi reading しろ is more common in everyday speech.

Examples

1. 京都で有名なお城を見に行った。 I went to see a famous castle in Kyoto.
2. 日本のお城は美しい建築だ。 Japanese castles are beautiful architecture.
3. 子供の頃、砂の城を作って遊んだ。 When I was a kid, I used to play by building sandcastles.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, history, culture

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 城 combines 土 (earth) and 成 (become/form). Originally referred to earthen fortifications in ancient China, later adopted in Japanese for the stone and wood castles built by feudal lords.

Cultural Context

Era: Feudal

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal