fbpx

0 Comments

December 24, 2020

What is the difference between 坂 and 阪?

Do you know the DIFFERENCE?

   and   

Both mean HILL or SLOPE and both have the same readings.

Meaning: slope; incline; hill
Kun: さか
On: ハン


However, only this one is used for a literal "hill" today:

KANJI PARTS:

  • 土 (dirt) 
  • 反 (return; go back)

To return 反 to dirt 土 may imply death. While 坂 today doesn't have that connotation (it just means "hill"), that might explain why...


This one is only used in names such as 大阪 Osaka

KANJI PARTS:

  • 阝 (mound; dam) 
  • 反 (return; go back)

While it is used with people's names like 阪本 sakamoto, this character alone usually represents 大阪 Osaka.


Here are a few Osaka-related words:

  • 大阪府(おおさかふ) Osaka prefecture
  • 阪神(はんしん) Osaka-Kobe
  • 京阪(けいはん) Kyoto-Osaka
  • 在阪(ざいはん) being in Osaka
  • 帰阪(きはん) returning to Osaka

And, finally, a proverb:

(くち)では大阪(おおさか)(しろ)()つ。

To build Osaka castle by talking.

(talk is cheap; easier said than done)

Sharing is caring!

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Level up your Japanese!

free-kanji-or-hiragana-offer-final

For Total Beginners

Japanese for beginners - Beri-Beri Shoshinsha

This 15-book study guide + worksheets bundle is ON SALE. For just one-time payment only, you will get this bundle for a very low price plus you will get future contents for free (no additional charge).

Easy to follow and understand

This bundle is perfect for absolute beginners. It's thorough without being wordy, giving you exactly enough information to understand the concepts without overloading you with information. 

TheJapanShop.com Customer

Makoto+ Membership

You'll notice many TheJapanesePage.com lessons have bonus content for Makoto+ Members. Well, membership goes well beyond that. Members also get our monthly magazine for learners of Japanese (Beginners to Intermediates), weekly exclusive lessons, Podcast bonus content, and much more.

>