山
JLPT N5
Mountain, hill
Readings
On’yomi: サン (san)
Kun’yomi: やま (yama)
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
山
やま
mountain
富士山
ふじさん
Mt. Fuji
火山
かざん
volcano
登山
とざん
mountain climbing
山道
やまみち
mountain path
Example Sentences
山が見えます。
やまが みえます。
I can see a mountain.
富士山は高いです。
ふじさんは たかいです。
Mt. Fuji is high.
火山が噴火しました。
かざんが ふんかしました。
The volcano erupted.
登山が好きです。
とざんが すきです。
I like mountain climbing.
山道を歩きます。
やまみちを あるきます。
I walk along a mountain path.
Cultural Note
Mountains (山) hold deep spiritual and cultural significance in Japan:
1. Sacred mountains:
o Many mountains are considered sacred in Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
o Examples: 富士山 (Mount Fuji), 御嶽山 (Ontake-san), 高野山 (Kōya-san).
o Pilgrimages and mountain worship (山岳信仰, sangaku shinkō) are traditional practices.
2. Nature and aesthetics:
o Mountains are celebrated in art, poetry, and haiku for their beauty and seasonal changes.
o The concept of “yama” symbolizes strength, endurance, and connection to nature.
3. Daily life:
o Japanese cities often lie at the base of mountains. Mountains influence weather, tourism, and local cuisine.
4. Idioms & expressions:
o 山を越える (やま を こえる) → to overcome a difficulty (literally “cross a mountain”)
o 山のようにある (やま の よう に ある) → piled up like a mountain (used for tasks, work, objects)
1. Sacred mountains:
o Many mountains are considered sacred in Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
o Examples: 富士山 (Mount Fuji), 御嶽山 (Ontake-san), 高野山 (Kōya-san).
o Pilgrimages and mountain worship (山岳信仰, sangaku shinkō) are traditional practices.
2. Nature and aesthetics:
o Mountains are celebrated in art, poetry, and haiku for their beauty and seasonal changes.
o The concept of “yama” symbolizes strength, endurance, and connection to nature.
3. Daily life:
o Japanese cities often lie at the base of mountains. Mountains influence weather, tourism, and local cuisine.
4. Idioms & expressions:
o 山を越える (やま を こえる) → to overcome a difficulty (literally “cross a mountain”)
o 山のようにある (やま の よう に ある) → piled up like a mountain (used for tasks, work, objects)