Japanese word

歴史

Pronunciation

Romajirekishi

Meaning

  • nounhistory

Example

学校で歴史を学びます。gak kō de reki shi o mana bi ma su

I study history at school.

Illustration for 歴史 (history)

More examples

この町には長い歴史があります。ko no machi ni wa naga i reki shi ga a ri ma su

This town has a long history.

Core concept

Shows the events and changes that shape people, societies, and the world over time.

Common phrases

  • 歴史を学ぶreki shi o mana bu

    study history

  • 歴史に残るreki shi ni noko ru

    go down in history

Similar words

過去kako: The time and events that happened before the present.

Definition in Japanese

人間や社会などについて、過去に起こった出来事とその変化の過程。nin gen ya sha kai na do ni tsu i te ka ko ni o ko tta de ki goto to so no hen ka no ka tei

Word origin

歴史 (rekishi) is a Sino-Japanese word made from 歴 (reki, "pass through") and 史 (shi, "record").

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, "history" can mean the past relationship or events shared by people, as in "They have a long history."

Related words

Word lists with this word