Japanese Conversation · Level 3
86 words
Japanese word
スポンジ
Pronunciation
Romajisuponji
Meaning
- nounsponge
Example
このスポンジは水をよく吸います。ko no su po n ji wa mizu o yo ku su i ma su
This sponge absorbs water well.
More examples
このスポンジは柔らかくて、手になじみます。ko no su po n ji wa yawa ra ka ku te te ni na ji mi ma su
This sponge is soft and fits comfortably in my hand.
Core concept
A soft, porous material or object takes in liquid through its many small openings.
Common phrases
スポンジを水に浸すsu po n ji o mizu ni hita su
soak a sponge in water
スポンジを交換するsu po n ji o kō kan su ru
replace a sponge
スポンジを濡らすsu po n ji o nu ra su
wet a sponge
Similar words
海綿kaimen: A natural porous material obtained from certain sea animals and used to absorb liquid.
Definition in Japanese
水や汚れを吸い取るために用いる、多数の細かな穴がある柔らかい素材や道具。mizu ya yogo re o su i to ru ta me ni mochi i ru ta sū no koma ka na ana ga a ru yawa ra ka i so zai ya dō gu
Word origin
The Japanese noun スポンジ (suponji) is borrowed from English sponge, which traces back through Old French to Latin spongia, "sponge."
Usage tips
- In English, sponge can also be a verb meaning to absorb, as in "sponge up information," extending the physical idea of taking something in to learning.