Japanese word

都心

Pronunciation

Romajitoshin

Meaning

  • noundowntown

Example

私は都心で働いています。watashi wa to shin de hatara i te i ma su

I work downtown.

Illustration for 都心 (downtown)

More examples

休日は都心へ買い物に出かけます。kyū jitsu wa to shin e ka i mono ni de ka ke ma su

I go downtown to shop on my days off.

Core concept

Refers to the central area of a city, where major urban activities are concentrated.

Common phrases

  • 都心に住むto shin ni su mu

    live downtown

  • 都心で働くto shin de hatara ku

    work downtown

  • 都心へのアクセスto shin e no a ku se su

    access to downtown

Similar words

中心街chūshingai: A central urban district with many shops, offices, and public facilities.
中心市街地chūshinshigaichi: A city's central built-up district that serves as a main area for commerce and public services.

Definition in Japanese

都市の中心部にある地域。to shi no chū shin bu ni a ru chi iki

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 都心 (toshin) combines 都 (to, "metropolis") and 心 (shin, "heart"), naming the heart of a city.

Usage tips

  • In English, downtown often means a central business district, while 都心 (toshin) can cover a wider central area of a large city.

Other meanings

  • heart of the citynoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word