noun
Common
wa
Wa (noun) means a cultural value in Japanese society that emphasises group harmony over individual interests. Example: “Employees often avoid open arguments in meetings to preserve wa within the team.”
noun
1
A cultural value in Japanese society that emphasises group harmony over individual interests.
"Employees often avoid open arguments in meetings to preserve wa within the team."
"Respect for wa means a quiet colleague may still be fully consulted."
"The concept of wa shapes how decisions are made in many Japanese workplaces."
2
An ethnic group native to parts of Myanmar and China.
"Many Wa villages are found in the hills near the border."
"A documentary about the Wa explored their farming customs and festivals."
"The Wa people maintain their own distinct language and traditions."
How to use wa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often refers to the Japanese cultural ideal of group harmony, or to the Wa ethnic group of Southeast Asia.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like wa.
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
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Employees often avoid open arguments in meetings to preserve _____ within the team.
Etymology
Comes from Thai วา (waa).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “wa” mean?
The word “wa” means a cultural value in Japanese society that emphasises group harmony over individual interests. In plain terms, most often refers to the Japanese cultural ideal of group harmony, or to the Wa ethnic group of Southeast Asia.
How do you use “wa” in a sentence?
Here is “wa” used in a sentence: “The concept of wa shapes how decisions are made in many Japanese workplaces.”
What part of speech is “wa”?
“Wa” is a noun.
Is “wa” a common word?
“Wa” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wa” have?
“Wa” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cultural value in Japanese society that emphasises group harmony over individual interests.
What is the difference between "wa" and "harmony" in English?
"Wa" is a Japanese cultural value that specifically prioritises the peace and cohesion of the group over individual desires, whereas the English word "harmony" is broader and can describe agreement, music, or aesthetics without that social emphasis. "Harmony" is the closest English gloss but does not capture the full social meaning.
Why is "wa" important in Japanese society?
"Wa" is valued because it promotes group harmony and cooperation, encouraging individuals to avoid open conflict and maintain smooth relationships within a team, family, or company. It reflects a broader cultural emphasis on collective wellbeing over individual interests.
What else can "Wa" refer to?
Besides the Japanese cultural value of group harmony, "Wa" is also the name of an ethnic group native to parts of Myanmar and China. Context determines which of these two meanings applies.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include wa:
