ラジオ

• Reading: ラジオ
• Romaji: rajio
• Pronunciation: /ɾa.dʑi.o/

Meaning

Radio. A device for receiving and playing broadcast audio programmes.

Borrowed from English 'radio.' While less central to daily life than in previous decades, radio remains popular in Japan — particularly NHKラジオ and traffic reports. ラジオ体操 (rajio taisō — radio calisthenics) is a beloved morning exercise routine broadcast since 1928 and still practised nationwide. Key phrases: ラジオを聞く (listen to the radio), ラジオをつける (turn on the radio).

Examples

1. 朝ラジオを聞きながら朝ごはんを食べます。 I eat breakfast while listening to the radio in the morning.
2. ラジオで天気予報を聞きました。 I heard the weather forecast on the radio.
3. 祖父は毎日ラジオ体操をします。 My grandfather does radio calisthenics every day.

Usage Guide

Context: home, media, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From English 'radio,' shortened from 'radiotelegraphy.' Entered Japanese in the 1920s when radio broadcasting began in Japan, with the first broadcast in 1925.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal