Usage
Dictionary
Kanji: 和
Hiragana: わ、かず、やわ(らぐ)、なご(む)、なご(やか)
Pronunciation: Wa, Kazu, Yawa(ragu), Nago(mu), Nago(yaka)
Meaning: Peace, Harmony, Calm, Serenity, Quiet, Sum, Total, Japan, Soften, Abate, Lessen
Compounds
- 和気 (waki) tranquil weather; warm weather; a warm and friendly mood; a harmonious moo
- 緩和 (kanwa) relax (especially tension between nations); ease (especially restrictions); relief
- 和服 (wafuku) Japanese traditional dress/clothing; Kimono
- 和英 (eiwa) Japanese and English
- 平和 (heiwa) peace
- 昭和 (showa) Showa era (Dec 25, 1926 – Jan 7, 1989), one of Nengo (年号). Nengo refers to the system of era names used in Japan. In this system, each emperor’s reign is given a specific name, which becomes the official calendar system for the duration of their reign. Showa is the longest reign of any Japanese emperor and witnessed significant events such as World War II, Japan’s post-war recovery, and its rapid economic growth.
Kun
- 和らぐ (yawaragu) soften; moderate; be eased; abate; die down
- 和む (nagomu) calm; calm down; heartwarming
Independent
- 三と五の和は八 (santogonowawahachi) 3+5=8
- 和を結ぶ (wawomusubu) make peace
Special Readings
- 大和 (yamato) ancient name of Japan; the old province of Yamato
- 大和魂 (yamatodamashii) the Japanese spirit
- 日和 (hiyori) ideal weather (for some action, event, etc.); perfect day; good day/weather; weather; conditions; situation
Column
The Meanings of Yamato
Ancient Name of Japan
“Yamato” originally referred to an ancient region in Japan, which is now part of modern-day Nara Prefecture. This area was home to the Yamato Court, the earliest centralized government in Japan, which unified the country from the 4th to the 7th centuries. This period is known as the Yamato Period and marks a significant chapter in Japanese history.
Symbol of Japan
Over time, “Yamato” evolved beyond a geographical name to symbolize Japan as a whole. In literature, poetry, and mythology, “Yamato” is often used to represent the essence of Japan’s landscapes, culture, and spirit.
Yamato-damashii (Yamato Spirit)
“Yamato-damashii” refers to the spirit of the Japanese people, embodying qualities such as strength, integrity, and courage in the face of adversity. This term is especially associated with the samurai ethos and the valor of soldiers during World War II.
Yamato People
The term “Yamato people” refers to the primary ethnic group in Japan, particularly those residing in the main islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The Yamato people have been the bearers of Japan’s cultural traditions, language, and heritage.
Historical and Cultural Background of Yamato
The Yamato Period
The Yamato Period (late 3rd century to 7th century) is crucial in the formation of ancient Japan. During this time, the Yamato Court established itself, and significant developments in politics, such as the Ritsuryō legal system, and cultural advancements, including the introduction of Buddhism, took place. The Yamato region was also the location of the imperial palaces of successive Japanese emperors.
Yamato Culture
Yamato culture forms the foundation of traditional Japanese culture. For instance, Yamato-e is a classical Japanese painting style depicting Japanese landscapes, people, and nature. The Nara period saw the construction of numerous temples and statues in the Yamato region, which remain significant cultural treasures today.
Yamato Language
Yamato kotoba (Yamato words) refers to the oldest form of the Japanese language, frequently used in traditional Japanese poetry and songs like waka and haiku. These words play a vital role in expressing the aesthetic sensibilities and emotions of the Japanese people.
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