都心

• Reading: としん
• Romaji: toshin
• Kanji breakdown: 都 (to/miyako) — capital, metropolis; 心 (shin/kokoro) — heart, centre
• Pronunciation: /to.ɕi.n/

Meaning

City centre; heart of a city; downtown area. Especially used for the central part of Tokyo.

Most commonly refers to central Tokyo (around Chiyoda, Chuo, and Minato wards), but can describe the centre of any major city. Often contrasted with 郊外 (suburbs). Frequently appears in news, real estate discussions, and commuting contexts.

Examples

1. 都心のマンションは家賃がとても高い。 Apartments in the city center have very high rent.
2. 毎日電車で都心まで通勤している。 I commute to the city center by train every day.
3. 都心から離れると自然が多くなる。 The farther you get from the city center, the more nature there is.

Usage Guide

Context: urban life, real estate, commuting

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 都 (to, capital/metropolis) and 心 (shin, heart/centre). Literally 'heart of the capital,' describing the central core of a major city.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal