The Japanese writing system is intricate, comprising three primary scripts:
- Kanji: Originating from Chinese, it uses Chinese characters. In Kanji, “subarashii” is written as: 素晴らしい.
- Hiragana: A syllabary for native Japanese words. “Subarashii” in Hiragana is: すばらしい.
- Katakana: Another syllabary, primarily for foreign words. In Katakana, “subarashii” is: スバラシイ.
The pronunciation of “subarashii” closely aligns with its rōmaji transcription, with the letter “u” sounding slightly more open, akin to an “o”.
Usage of “Subarashii”
“Subarashii” is an adjective that translates to “wonderful”, “spectacular”, “splendid”, or “fantastic”. It can also imply “haughty” or “admirable”. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it’s often used to express pleasure, admiration, or surprise.
Similar Expressions
Other popular Japanese words with meanings akin to “subarashii” include:
- Sugoi (すごい): Denoting “amazing” or “incredible”.
- Suteki (すてき): Meaning “lovely” or “charming”.
- Omoshiroi (面白い): Translating to “interesting” or “entertaining”.
Antonyms for “Subarashii”
Contrasting “subarashii”, some antonyms in Japanese are:
- Hidoi (ひどい): Meaning “terrible” or “cruel”.
- Iyashii (いやしい): Denoting “vulgar” or “coarse”.
- Minikui (みにくい): Translating to “ugly” or “unpleasant”.
Examples of “Subarashii” in Sentences
To grasp its application, consider these sentences with “subarashii”:
- Ashita wa kyūjitsudesu! – Subarashi! (明日は休日です！ – 素晴らしい！): “Tomorrow is a holiday! – Fantastic!”
- Kanojo wa subarashī joseidesu (彼女は素晴らしい女性です): “She is a wonderful woman.”
- Anata no Supeingo wa subarashīdesu (あなたのスペイン語は素晴らしいです): “Your Spanish is excellent.”
A Glimpse into Latin’s Rich Tapestry
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Birthday Traditions in Ancient Rome
Birthday celebrations, tracing back to Ancient Egypt and Greece, found their way to Rome. Emperors’ birthdays saw grand feasts, parades, and performances. Common citizens celebrated within families, with feasts, moon-shaped cakes (honoring the moon goddess, Diana), and gifts. Interestingly, Romans didn’t always celebrate on the actual birth date but on the month’s first day.
The Day of Purification
The “day of purification” or Dies lustricus was another Roman tradition, marking a child’s survival past infancy. Held on the eighth day for girls and ninth for boys, it symbolized the child’s societal entry. The child was named, believed to influence their destiny, and given a protective amulet.
Bibliography
- Taranov, A. Spanish-Japanese Vocabulary – 9000 Most Used Words. (2013). T&P Books.
- Nakazawa, Y. Koi. Dictionary. Basic Manual of Japanese. (2021). Satori Editions.
- Pinhok Languages. Japanese Vocabulary Book: A Strategy-Based Method. (2017). Pinhok Languages.
- Gil Gomez, JJ; Nakazawa, Y. Classified Vocabulary of Japanese. (2003). Hyperion.
