山

• Reading: やま
• Romaji: yama
• Kanji breakdown: 山 (san/zan/yama) — mountain
• Pronunciation: /ja.ma/

Meaning

Mountain; hill. A fundamental geography word used constantly in Japan.

A noun referring to mountains and hills. Japan is approximately 73% mountainous, making this one of the most culturally significant nature words. It also serves as a counter for piles or heaps. Mount Fuji (富士山, Fujisan) is the most iconic mountain in Japan.

Examples

1. 週末に山に登りました。 I climbed a mountain on the weekend.
2. あの山の名前は何ですか。 What is the name of that mountain?
3. 山の上から町が見えます。 You can see the town from the top of the mountain.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, geography, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 山 is a pictograph depicting three mountain peaks, one of the simplest and oldest characters.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal