Japanese word

城

Pronunciation

Romajishiro

Meaning

  • nouncastle

Example

週末に城へ行きます。shū matsu ni shiro e i ki ma su

I am going to the castle this weekend.

Illustration for 城 (castle)

More examples

この城は丘の上に建っていて、町全体を見渡せます。ko no shiro wa oka no ue ni ta tte i te machi zen tai o mi wata se ma su

This castle stands on a hill and overlooks the whole town.

Core concept

It presents a protected stronghold as both a defense against attack and a residence for a ruler.

Common phrases

  • 城を見学するshiro o ken gaku su ru

    tour a castle

  • 城の中shiro no naka

    inside a castle

Definition in Japanese

支配者の居所となり、攻撃に備えて人や地域を守るために造られた堅固な建物や場所。shi hai sha no i dokoro to na ri kō geki ni sona e te hito ya chi iki o mamo ru ta me ni tsuku ra re ta ken go na tate mono ya ba sho

Word origin

城 (shiro, "castle") is a native Japanese word represented by 城, a character meaning "fortified settlement"; the original source of the reading shiro is not certain.

Usage tips

  • In English, castle often suggests a European stone building, but 城 (shiro) also includes large Japanese strongholds built with wooden structures, earthworks, and stone walls.

Other meanings

  • fortressnoun

Word lists with this word