アメリカ

• Reading: アメリカ
• Romaji: amerika
• Pronunciation: /a.me.ɾi.ka/

Meaning

America; the United States of America. The most common Japanese word for the U.S.

The standard katakana rendering used in everyday speech and media. The kanji spelling 亜米利加 exists but is rarely used outside of historical or formal contexts. アメリカ人 (amerikajin) means 'American person.' Often abbreviated to 米 (bei) in compound words like 米国 (beikoku).

Examples

1. 来年アメリカに留学する予定です。 I'm planning to study abroad in America next year.
2. アメリカの映画が好きです。 I like American movies.
3. 友達がアメリカから遊びに来た。 A friend came to visit from America.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, travel, international topics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Katakana transcription of 'America,' borrowed from Portuguese or Dutch during the early contact period. The ateji 亜米利加 was used in the Edo and Meiji periods.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal