洋

JLPT N4

Ocean, Western

Readings

On’yomi: ヨウ (you)

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

洋服

ようふく

Western clothes

洋画

ようが

Western painting

西洋

せいよう

the West

大洋

たいよう

ocean

洋食

ようしょく

Western food

Example Sentences

洋服を着ます。

ようふくをきます。

I wear Western clothes.

洋画を見ます。

ようがをみます。

I watch Western movies.

西洋の文化です。

せいようのぶんかです。

It is Western culture.

大洋を渡ります。

たいようをわたります。

I cross the ocean.

洋食が好きです。

ようしょくがすきです。

I like Western food.

Cultural Note

🌊 洋 reflects Japan’s relationship with the ocean and foreign countries.
• Historically, Western culture (西洋) entered Japan via the oceans, influencing clothing, architecture, education, and technology.
• Words like 洋食 (Western food) and 洋服 (Western clothing) emphasize how Japan differentiates traditional Japanese vs. foreign-style things.
• It also represents vastness and openness, seen in words describing oceans and wide waters.