name
Very common
Japan
juh-PAN
Japan (name) means an island nation in East Asia, whose capital is Tokyo. Example: “They spent three weeks travelling around Japan.”
name
1
An island nation in East Asia, whose capital is Tokyo.
"They spent three weeks travelling around Japan."
noun
1
A hard, glossy black lacquer or varnish, or an item finished with it.
"The cabinet was coated in black japan to give it a mirror-like shine."
verb
1
To coat something with this hard black lacquer.
"The craftsman japanned the box before adding gold detailing."
How to use Japan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMainly the country in East Asia; less commonly, a type of glossy black varnish or the act of applying it.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Japan.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- japans
- Third person singular
- japans
- Past tense
- japanned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They spent three weeks travelling around _____.
Etymology
The country name reached English via Portuguese and Malay from a Chinese term meaning roughly "sun origin"; the lacquer sense comes from ornamental lacquerware first associated with East Asian craftsmanship.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “Japan” mean?
The word “Japan” means an island nation in East Asia, whose capital is Tokyo. In plain terms, mainly the country in East Asia; less commonly, a type of glossy black varnish or the act of applying it.
How do you pronounce “Japan”?
“Japan” is pronounced juh-PAN (/d͡ʒəˈpæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Japan” in a sentence?
Here is “Japan” used in a sentence: “They spent three weeks travelling around Japan.”
What part of speech is “Japan”?
Depending on how it is used, “Japan” can be a name, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “Japan” come from?
The word “Japan” comes from Portuguese. The country name reached English via Portuguese and Malay from a Chinese term meaning roughly "sun origin"; the lacquer sense comes from ornamental lacquerware first associated with East Asian craftsmanship.
Is “Japan” a common word?
“Japan” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Japan” have?
“Japan” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an island nation in East Asia, whose capital is Tokyo.
What is the capital of Japan?
The capital of Japan is Tokyo, one of the largest and most populous metropolitan areas in the world. It is the country's political, financial, and cultural centre, home to the national government and the Imperial Palace. Tokyo sits on the eastern coast of the main island, Honshu.
Where is Japan located?
Japan is an island nation in East Asia, lying off the eastern coast of the Asian mainland in the Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago of thousands of islands, four of which — Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku — make up most of its land and population.
What is Japan known for?
Japan is known for blending ancient tradition with cutting-edge technology. Highlights include its cuisine such as sushi and ramen, cultural exports like anime and manga, high-speed bullet trains, cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji, and historic temples and shrines. It is also a major force in the global economy.
What language and currency are used in Japan?
The official language is Japanese, written with a mix of kanji characters and the kana syllabaries. The national currency is the yen, symbolised by ¥. Both are central to daily life across the country, from street signs and menus to prices and everyday transactions.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include Japan:
