Japanese word

二重

Pronunciation

Romajinijū

Meaning

  • noundouble

Example

この言葉には二重の意味があります。ko no koto ba ni wa ni jū no i mi ga a ri ma su

This word has a double meaning.

Illustration for 二重 (double)

More examples

この封筒は二重になっていて、書類を安全に送れます。ko no fū tō wa ni jū ni na tte i te sho rui o an zen ni oku re ma su

This envelope has two layers, so I can send the documents safely.

Core concept

Expresses the presence of two overlapping parts, layers, or instances in one structure.

Common phrases

  • 二重のふたni jū no fu ta

    double lid

  • 二重の意味ni jū no i mi

    double meaning

  • 二重にするni jū ni su ru

    double

Similar words

二層nisō: A structure made of two distinct layers.

Definition in Japanese

一つのものが二つ重なった状態。また、同じものを二つ重ねたもの。hito tsu no mo no ga futa tsu kasa na tta jō tai ma ta ona ji mo no o futa tsu kasa ne ta mo no

Word origin

The noun 二重 (nijū) combines 二 (ni, "two") with 重 (jū, "layers"), giving the literal idea of two layers placed one over another.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 二重 (nijū) can describe two features that exist at once, including a person's two roles or a statement with two meanings.

Other meanings

  • two layersnoun
  • duplicationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 二重化nijūkaduplicationnoun
  • 二重性nijūseidualitynoun

Word lists with this word