Japanese Conversation · Level 43
90 words
Japanese word
河川
Pronunciation
Romajikasen
Meaning
- nounriver
Example
この地域には大きな河川があります。ko no chi iki ni wa ō ki na ka sen ga a ri ma su
There is a large river in this area.
More examples
自治体は河川の水質を定期的に調べています。ji chi tai wa ka sen no sui shitsu o tei ki teki ni shira be te i ma su
Municipalities regularly test river water quality.
Core concept
Describes a natural watercourse in which flowing water moves through a defined channel.
Common phrases
河川の水質ka sen no sui shitsu
river water quality
河川の流域ka sen no ryū iki
river basin
Similar words
川kawa: A common everyday term for a natural watercourse.
Definition in Japanese
水が一定の流路を流れる自然の水系。mizu ga it tei no ryū ro o naga re ru shi zen no sui kei
Word origin
河 (ka, "river") and 川 (sen, "river" or "stream") are Sino-Japanese elements that combine to form 河川 (kasen), a formal term for a river.
Usage tips
- In official and environmental contexts, 河川 (kasen) often appears where everyday speech uses 川 (kawa) for a river.