地図

• Reading: ちず
• Romaji: chizu
• Kanji breakdown: 地 (chi/ji) — ground, earth; 図 (zu/to) — drawing, diagram
• Pronunciation: /tɕi.zɯ/

Meaning

Map; chart; atlas. A visual representation of geographical areas or locations.

Combines 地 (chi, ground/earth) and 図 (zu, diagram/drawing). Used for everything from city street maps to world atlases. In modern Japanese, also refers to digital maps and GPS applications. Commonly paired with verbs like 見る (miru, to look at) and 使う (tsukau, to use).

Examples

1. 地図を見て駅への道を調べました。 I looked at the map to find the way to the station.
2. スマホの地図はとても便利です。 Smartphone maps are very convenient.
3. この地図で東京タワーはどこですか。 Where is Tokyo Tower on this map?

Usage Guide

Context: travel, directions, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A Sino-Japanese compound from Chinese 地圖. The kanji 地 means 'ground' or 'earth,' and 図 means 'drawing' or 'diagram' — literally a drawing of the ground.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal