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Meaning of (たま) in Japanese

Japanese word definition and usage

玉, 球, 珠, 弾
JLPT 3
Kana Reading
たま
Romaji
tama
Word Senses
  • Parts of speech
    noun (common) (futsuumeishi)
    Meaning
    ball; sphere; globe; orb
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    bead (of sweat, dew, etc.); drop; droplet
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    ball (in sports)
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    pile (of noodles, etc.)
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    bullet
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    bulb (i.e. a light bulb)
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    lens (of glasses, etc.)
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    bead (of an abacus)
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    ball (i.e. a testicle)
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    gem; jewel (esp. spherical; sometimes used figuratively); pearl
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    female entertainer (e.g. a geisha)
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    person (when commenting on their nature); character
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    item, funds or person used as part of a plot
  • Parts of speech
    noun (common) (futsuumeishi), noun, used as a suffix
    Meaning
    egg
  • Parts of speech
    noun, used as a suffix
    Meaning
    coin
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    precious; beautiful; excellent

Example Sentences

玉, 球, 珠, 弾, たま used in context

Related Study Lists

Study lists that include this entry

Related Kanji

Kanji found in this word

JLPT 1

pearl, gem, jewel

On: シュ

Kun: たま

10 strokes

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JLPT 1

bullet, twang, flip, snap

On: ダン, タン

Kun: ひ.く, -ひ.き, はず.む, たま, はじ.く, はじ.ける, ただ.す, はじ.きゆみ

12 strokes

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JLPT 2

jewel, ball

On: ギョク

Kun: たま, たま-, -だま

5 strokes

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JLPT 3

ball, sphere

On: キュウ

Kun: たま

11 strokes

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