馬

• Reading: うま
• Romaji: uma
• Kanji breakdown: 馬 (ba/uma) — horse
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ma/

Meaning

Horse. A large four-legged animal historically used for transport and agriculture; also a promoted bishop piece in shogi.

A noun for horse, one of the most culturally significant animals in Japanese history. Used in many compounds and idioms: 馬力 (horsepower), 競馬 (keiba, horse racing), 馬鹿 (baka, fool — literally 'horse-deer'). In shogi (Japanese chess), 馬 refers to a promoted bishop piece. The on'yomi reading ば is used in most compounds, while うま is the standalone kun'yomi.

Examples

1. 牧場で馬に乗る体験をした。 I got to experience riding a horse at a ranch.
2. 競馬を見に行くのが父の趣味だ。 Going to watch horse racing is my father's hobby.
3. 昔の日本では馬は大切な交通手段だった。 In old Japan, horses were an important means of transportation.

Usage Guide

Context: animals, sports, history

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 馬 is a pictograph of a horse viewed from the side, with four legs visible at the bottom. It is one of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals (午年, Year of the Horse).

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal