Japanese word

文化財

Pronunciation

Romajibunkazai

Meaning

  • nouncultural property

Example

この建物は文化財に指定されています。ko no tate mono wa bun ka zai ni shi tei sa re te i ma su

This building is designated as a cultural property.

Illustration for 文化財 (cultural property)

More examples

市は古い町並みを文化財として保存しています。shi wa furu i machi na mi o bun ka zai to shi te ho zon shi te i ma su

The city preserves the old townscape as a cultural property.

Core concept

Refers to a cultural object, place, or practice whose historical, artistic, or scholarly value makes it worthy of protection.

Common phrases

  • 文化財に指定されるbun ka zai ni shi tei sa re ru

    be designated as a cultural property

  • 文化財を保護するbun ka zai o ho go su ru

    protect a cultural property

  • 文化財を保存するbun ka zai o ho zon su ru

    preserve a cultural property

Similar words

文化遺産bunkaisan: A valued part of a society's culture that has been handed down from earlier generations.
文化資産bunkashisan: A cultural resource with recognized value in history, art, education, or scholarship.

Definition in Japanese

歴史、芸術、学術などの価値を持ち、保存や保護の対象となる建造物、作品、遺跡などの文化的な資産。reki shi gei jutsu gaku jutsu na do no ka chi o mo chi ho zon ya ho go no tai shō to na ru ken zō butsu saku hin i seki na do no bun ka teki na shi san

Word origin

The noun 文化財 (bunkazai, "cultural property") combines 文化 (bunka, "culture") and 財 (zai, "property or valuable asset").

Usage tips

  • In museum and heritage law writing, cultural property can name a building, artwork, or site, so property here means a valued cultural asset rather than only real estate.

Other meanings

  • cultural heritagenoun

Word lists with this word