Japanese word

都会

Pronunciation

Romajitokai

Meaning

  • nouncity

Example

都会で働いています。to kai de hatara i te i ma su

I work in the city.

Illustration for 都会 (city)

More examples

都会ではさまざまな国の料理を楽しめます。to kai de wa sa ma za ma na kuni no ryō ri o tano shi me ma su

In the city, you can enjoy dishes from many countries.

Core concept

Describes a built-up place where many people live, work, and use shared services.

Common phrases

  • 都会に住むto kai ni su mu

    live in the city

  • 都会へ行くto kai e i ku

    go to the city

  • 都会で働くto kai de hatara ku

    work in the city

  • 都会の生活to kai no sei katsu

    city life

Similar words

都市toshi: A formal term for an organized settlement with many homes, workplaces, and public services.

Definition in Japanese

人が多く住み、建物や交通機関が集まっている地域。hito ga ō ku su mi tate mono ya kō tsū ki kan ga atsu ma tte i ru chi iki

Word origin

都会 (tokai) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 都 (to, "capital") and 会 (kai, "meeting"), naming an urban center where people gather.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 都会 (tokai, "city") often contrasts with 田舎 (inaka, "rural area"), so it can describe urban life as well as a city.

Other meanings

  • urban areanoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 都会的tokaitekiurbanna-adjective

Word lists with this word