Japanese Conversation · Level 41
90 words
Japanese word
玉
Pronunciation
Romajitama
Meaning
- nounball
Example
箱の中に青い玉があります。bako no naka ni ao i tama ga a ri ma su
There is a blue ball in the box.
More examples
公園で玉を友達に投げます。kō en de tama o tomo dachi ni na ge ma su
I throw a ball to my friend in the park.
Core concept
Describes a rounded object used in play by moving it with the hands, feet, or a tool.
Common phrases
玉を投げるtama o na ge ru
throw a ball
玉を拾うtama o hiro u
pick up a ball
玉が転がるtama ga koro ga ru
a ball rolls
Similar words
ボールbōru: A ball used for sports, games, or play, especially in everyday speech.
Definition in Japanese
丸い形をした、投げたり蹴ったりして遊ぶ物。maru i katachi o shi ta na ge ta ri ke tta ri shi te aso bu mono
Word origin
The noun 玉 (tama, "ball") belongs to native Japanese vocabulary rather than being a compound of separate Sino-Japanese elements.
Usage tips
- 玉入れ (tamaire) is a familiar Japanese school activity in which children throw balls into baskets during team games.