JLPT · Level 116
15 words
Japanese word
縁側
Pronunciation
Romajiengawa
Meaning
- nounveranda
Example
祖父は縁側で本を読みます。so fu wa en gawa de hon o yo mi ma su
My grandfather reads a book on the veranda.
More examples
秋の午後、家族で縁側に集まってお茶を飲みます。aki no go go ka zoku de en gawa ni atsu ma tte o cha o no mi ma su
On an autumn afternoon, the family gathers on the veranda to drink tea.
Core concept
Describes a sheltered strip beside the rooms of a Japanese house that opens toward the garden and links indoor and outdoor spaces.
Common phrases
縁側に座るen gawa ni suwa ru
sit on the veranda
縁側で涼むen gawa de suzu mu
cool off on the veranda
縁側に出るen gawa ni de ru
go out onto the veranda
Definition in Japanese
日本家屋の座敷と庭との間にある、屋根付きの細長い板敷きの部分。nihon ka oku no za shiki to niwa to no aida ni a ru ya ne tsu ki no hoso naga i ita ji ki no bu bun
Word origin
縁側 (engawa) is a compound of 縁 (en, "edge") and 側 (gawa, "side"), referring to the side space along a house's outer edge.
Usage tips
- Unlike a balcony, an 縁側 (engawa) is usually at ground level and opens directly toward the garden.