🇯🇵 How to say

“river” in Japanese

川かわ
Illustration of "river" in a Japanese cultural setting
A wide river flows gently through a lush green valley, with small boats drifting on its surface and mountains rising in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Usage note

川 is a common word for river, used in everyday conversation and place names; many Japanese cities and towns are named after nearby rivers.

Examples

  • この川はきれいです。

    This river is beautiful.

  • 川で魚をみました。

    I saw fish in the river.

  • あの川をわたります。

    We will cross that river.

Quick check

What does "川" mean?

  • A. river
  • B. snake
  • C. telephone
  • D. park

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