土地

• Reading: とち
• Romaji: tochi
• Kanji breakdown: 土 (to/do/tsuchi) — earth, soil; 地 (chi/ji) — ground, land
• Pronunciation: /to.tɕi/

Meaning

Land; a plot of land; soil. Also refers to a region or locality.

A noun with two main uses: (1) a piece of land or real estate, as in 土地を買う (tochi wo kau, to buy land), and (2) a region or area with its own character, as in 土地の人 (tochi no hito, local people). Common in real estate, geography, and daily conversation about places. Related compound: 土地代 (tochi dai, land price).

Examples

1. 両親が郊外に土地を買って家を建てた。 My parents bought land in the suburbs and built a house.
2. この土地は昔から農業が盛んだ。 This area has thrived in agriculture since long ago.
3. 旅行先では土地の料理を食べるのが楽しみだ。 When traveling, I look forward to eating the local cuisine.

Usage Guide

Context: real estate, geography, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 土 (to/do, earth/soil) and 地 (chi, ground/land). Both kanji relate to the earth, together forming a comprehensive term for land and territory.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal