Japanese word

卯

Pronunciation

Romajiu

Meaning

  • nounrabbit

Example

卯は十二支の四番目です。u wa jū ni shi no yon ban me de su

The rabbit is the fourth of the twelve zodiac signs.

Illustration for 卯 (rabbit)

More examples

祖父は卯年生まれです。so fu wa u toshi u ma re de su

My grandfather was born in the Year of the Rabbit.

Core concept

Identifies the fourth place in the twelve-sign cycle through its association with a rabbit.

Common phrases

  • 卯年u nen

    year of the rabbit

Definition in Japanese

十二支の第四番目に配され、うさぎに当たるもの。jū ni shi no dai yon ban me ni hai sa re u sa gi ni a ta ru mo no

Word origin

The Japanese term 卯 (u, "rabbit") uses a character inherited from Classical Chinese, where it belongs to the twelve earthly branches and denotes the fourth branch.

Usage tips

  • In traditional Japanese timekeeping, 卯 (u) also marks the eastern direction and the two-hour period from about 5 to 7 a.m.

Word lists with this word