土

JLPT N5

Earth, soil, ground, land, clay

Readings

On’yomi: ド, ト (do, to)

Kun’yomi: つち (tsuchi)

つち (tsuchi) – soil, earth, ground

Structure

Strokes: 3

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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

土

つち

soil

土曜日

どようび

Saturday

土地

とち

land

国土

こくど

national land

土産

みやげ

souvenir

Example Sentences

土を掘ります。

つちをほります。

I dig the soil.

土曜日に休みます。

どようびにやすみます。

I rest on Saturday.

土地を買います。

とちをかいます。

I buy land.

国土を守ります。

こくどをまもります。

We protect the land.

土産を買いました。

みやげをかいました。

I bought a souvenir.

Cultural Note

土 (earth / soil) is significant in Japanese culture:
1. Elements:
o 土 is one of the classical five elements (五行, ごぎょう) along with 木 (wood), 火 (fire), 水 (water), 金 (metal).
2. Days of the week:
o 土曜日 (Saturday) literally means “earth day,” following the Chinese system of heavenly stems and planets.
3. Agriculture and tradition:
o Japan’s rice culture and agriculture give 土 an important role; soil quality and land are highly valued.
4. Symbolism:
o Represents stability, foundation, nourishment, and growth.