Japanese word

境界

Pronunciation

Romajikyōkai

Meaning

  • nounboundary

Example

この線が二つの土地の境界です。ko no sen ga futa tsu no to chi no kyō kai de su

This line is the boundary between the two pieces of land.

Illustration for 境界 (boundary)

More examples

私たちは森の端に境界標を置きました。watashi ta chi wa mori no hashi ni kyō kai hyō o o ki ma shi ta

We placed a boundary marker at the edge of the forest.

Core concept

Marks the point or line where one area, space, or condition ends and another begins.

Common phrases

  • 境界を越えるkyō kai o ko e ru

    cross a boundary

  • 境界を設けるkyō kai o mō ke ru

    set a boundary

  • 境界を定めるkyō kai o sada me ru

    define a boundary

Similar words

境目sakaime: A dividing point between two areas, spaces, or states.
限界genkai: The point beyond which something cannot go or continue.
区切りkugiri: A marked separation between parts of a larger whole.

Definition in Japanese

二つの土地や区域を分ける線や、その内外を分ける目印。futa tsu no to chi ya ku iki o wa ke ru sen ya so no nai gai o wa ke ru me jirushi

Word origin

境界 (kyōkai) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 境 (kyō, "border or realm") and 界 (kai, "world or sphere").

Usage tips

  • Push the boundaries commonly means testing what is accepted in an art form, activity, or social setting.

Other meanings

  • bordernoun
  • limitnoun

Word lists with this word