A2 adjective #1,000 رایج‌ترین 5 دقیقه مطالعه

白い

White is a color, like snow or a white cloud.

shiroi

Explanation at your level:

Hello! Today we learn 白い (shiroi). This word means 'white'. White is a color. Think of snow! Snow is white. Clouds in the sky are white. Milk is white. So, 白い means white. You can say 'shiroi hana' for a white flower. You can say 'shiroi neko' for a white cat. It is easy! Just remember 白い is the color white. You can use it to describe many things you see. It is a very important color word!

The Japanese adjective 白い (shiroi) means 'white'. It's a basic color term used to describe anything that has the color of snow, paper, or milk. You can use shiroi directly before a noun. For example, 白いシャツ (shiroi shatsu) means 'white shirt', and 白い犬 (shiroi inu) means 'white dog'. When you want to say something *is* white, you can add 'desu' at the end: このペンは白いです (Kono pen wa shiroi desu) - 'This pen is white'. It’s a very common and useful word for describing the world around you.

白い (shiroi) is the Japanese adjective for 'white'. It's a fundamental color descriptor used widely in everyday contexts. You'll often hear it paired with common nouns. For instance, 白いご飯 (shiroi gohan) refers to plain white rice, a staple in Japanese cuisine. When describing clothing, 白いブラウス (shiroi burausu) means 'white blouse'. It can also describe natural elements like 白い雲 (shiroi kumo - white clouds) or 白い雪 (shiroi yuki - white snow). Remember that as an i-adjective, it precedes the noun directly. To form the negative, you use 白くない (shirokunai), meaning 'not white'.

The Japanese adjective 白い (shiroi) denotes the color white. Beyond its literal meaning, 'white' can sometimes carry connotations of purity or neutrality in Japanese culture. You'll encounter it in numerous collocations, such as 白い目で見られる (shiroi me de mirareru), an idiom meaning 'to be viewed with suspicion'. While describing objects is its primary function (e.g., 白い家 - shiroi ie, 'white house'), understanding its idiomatic usage adds depth. Grammatically, it functions as an i-adjective, allowing for direct modification of nouns and easy conjugation into negative (白くない - shirokunai) and past (白かった - shirokatta) forms.

白い (shiroi), the Japanese adjective for 'white', extends beyond simple chromatic description. Culturally, white can symbolize purity, divinity, and new beginnings, influencing its usage in various contexts, from religious ceremonies to formal attire. While its primary role is descriptive—as in 白い肌 (shiroi hada, 'white skin') or 白いペンキ (shiroi penki, 'white paint')—it's also embedded in idiomatic expressions that convey nuanced meanings. For example, 白紙に戻す (hakushi ni modosu) signifies a complete reset or cancellation. Understanding shiroi involves appreciating its literal color meaning alongside its symbolic and figurative applications within the Japanese language and culture.

The adjective 白い (shiroi) represents the color white, a fundamental concept with deep roots in Japanese aesthetics and symbolism. Historically, white (白 - shiro) has been associated with purity, the sacred, and the void—a canvas for potential. This is reflected in its use in traditional arts, Shinto rituals, and even in the concept of 'ma' (間), the empty space that defines form. While its direct application is ubiquitous—describing everything from 白い米 (shiroi kome, 'white rice') to 白い光 (shiroi hikari, 'white light')—its etymological simplicity belies its cultural weight. The adjective's grammatical flexibility as an i-adjective, allowing for seamless integration into complex sentences and idiomatic phrases like 白黒つける (shirokuro tsukeru, 'to settle a matter'), showcases its linguistic robustness. Exploring shiroi offers a window into the intersection of color, language, and cultural philosophy.

واژه در 30 ثانیه

  • Shiroi (白い) means 'white'.
  • It's a fundamental i-adjective used to describe the color.
  • Commonly used with objects, nature, and food.
  • Appears in idioms with symbolic meanings.

Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful world of the Japanese word 白い (shiroi). This adjective means 'white', and it's one of those super useful words you'll encounter all the time. Think about all the things that are white: snow, clouds, milk, a blank page, a friendly ghost! Shiroi is your go-to word for describing all of them. It's a fundamental color term, just like 'red' or 'blue' in English, and understanding it opens up a whole new way to describe your surroundings in Japanese. It's not just about color, though; sometimes 'white' can imply purity or a fresh start. We'll explore all these cool aspects!

In Japanese, 白い (shiroi) is an i-adjective, which means it has a specific grammatical structure. It can directly modify a noun, like saying 'a white cat' (白い猫 - shiroi neko), or it can be used at the end of a sentence to describe something, like 'The snow is white' (雪は白いです - yuki wa shiroi desu). It’s a versatile word that’s easy to learn and incredibly practical. So, get ready to paint your Japanese vocabulary with the color white!

The word 白い (shiroi) comes from the ancient Japanese word 'shiro', which means 'white'. This root 'shiro' is incredibly old and is believed to have existed in the Japanese language for thousands of years. Unlike many colors in other languages that might have complex etymologies tied to specific objects or natural phenomena, the origin of 'shiro' is quite straightforward – it simply denotes the absence of color, or pure light. This simplicity likely contributed to its widespread and enduring use.

Interestingly, the concept of 'white' in Japanese culture has often been associated with purity, divinity, and beginnings. Think of the white robes worn by Shinto priests or the white paper used for calligraphy and important documents. This cultural significance might have reinforced the importance of the word shiroi. While the adjective form 'shiroi' is the most common, the noun form 'shiro' (白) also exists and carries similar connotations. The evolution from a basic color term to one imbued with cultural meaning is a fascinating journey that highlights how language reflects society.

白い (shiroi) is your go-to adjective for anything white in Japanese! You'll use it constantly in everyday conversation. For instance, describing food? You might say '白いご飯' (shiroi gohan) for white rice. Talking about clothes? '白いシャツ' (shiroi shatsu) means a white shirt. Even for abstract ideas, it can pop up! For example, '白い目で見られる' (shiroi me de mirareru) means to be looked at with suspicion, though this is a more nuanced expression.

When you're learning, focus on common collocations – words that often go together. Some super frequent ones include: 白い犬 (shiroi inu - white dog), 白い花 (shiroi hana - white flower), 白い肌 (shiroi hada - white skin), and 白い歯 (shiroi ha - white teeth). Remember that in Japanese, adjectives usually come directly before the noun they describe. So, 'a white house' is 白い家 (shiroi ie). You can also use it predicatively with 'desu' at the end: 'この鳥は白いです' (kono tori wa shiroi desu - This bird is white). It's a versatile word, fitting perfectly into both casual chats and more formal descriptions.

While 白い (shiroi) is a straightforward color adjective, it does appear in some interesting expressions that go beyond just describing color. These idioms often carry deeper cultural meanings.

  • 白い目で見られる (shiroi me de mirareru): Literally 'to be seen with white eyes'. This idiom means to be viewed with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval. It suggests an outsider's perspective or someone being judged negatively. Example: 彼は新しいアイデアで白い目で見られた。(Kare wa atarashii aidea de shiroi me de mirarareta. - He was viewed with suspicion for his new idea.)
  • 白紙に戻す (hakushi ni modosu): 'To return to blank paper'. This means to cancel something completely or start over from scratch, as if all previous work has been erased. Example: 会議の内容は白紙に戻された。(Kaigi no naiyou wa hakushi ni modosareta. - The content of the meeting was scrapped.)
  • 白黒つける (shirokuro tsukeru): 'To decide black and white'. This idiom means to resolve a matter, to make a clear decision, or to settle a dispute. Example: この問題に早く白黒つけたい。(Kono mondai ni hayaku shirokuro tsuketai. - I want to settle this issue quickly.)
  • 棚から牡丹餅 (tana kara botamochi): Although not directly using 'shiroi', this idiom is related to unexpected good fortune, often symbolized by a sweet rice cake falling from a shelf. It implies getting something good for nothing, a happy surprise. Example: 宝くじが当たって、まさに棚から牡丹餅だった。(Takarakuji ga atatte, masa ni tana kara botamochi datta. - I won the lottery, it was truly a stroke of luck.)
  • 白髪(しらが)の生える (shiraga no haeru): Literally 'white hair grows'. This refers to aging and becoming old, as gray or white hair is a common sign of aging. Example: 彼は心配事で白髪が生えてきた。(Kare wa shinpai goto de shiraga ga haete kita. - He started getting gray hairs from worrying.)

白い (shiroi) is a classic Japanese i-adjective. This means it ends in 'i' and can modify nouns directly. For example, 白い猫 (shiroi neko) means 'white cat'. You can also use it predicatively at the end of a sentence, usually followed by 'desu' for politeness: この服は白いです (kono fuku wa shiroi desu) - 'This clothing is white'. To make it negative, you change the 'i' to 'kunai': 白くない (shirokunai) - 'not white'. For past tense, you change 'i' to 'katta': 白かった (shirokatta) - 'was white'.

Pronunciation is key! In standard Japanese, it's pronounced roughly as 'shee-roh-ee'. The 'shi' is like the 'she' in 'sheep', 'ro' is like the 'ro' in 'robot', and 'i' is like the 'ee' in 'see'. Try to give each sound equal weight. There isn't really a plural form for adjectives in Japanese; 'shiroi' works for one white thing or many white things. For example, 白い犬 (shiroi inu) is 'white dog', and 白い犬たち (shiroi inu-tachi) is 'white dogs'. The emphasis is generally even across the syllables. Rhyming words are less common in Japanese compared to English, but words ending in '-oi' might share a similar vowel sound, like 'akai' (red) or 'aoi' (blue), though they are distinct colors.

Fun Fact

In ancient Japan, white was often associated with purity and divinity, leading to its use in religious ceremonies and the clothing of priests.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʃɪ.roʊ.i/

Sounds like 'shee-roh-ee', with a clear 'ee' sound at the end. Emphasis is relatively even across the syllables.

US /ˈʃi.roʊ.i/

Similar to UK pronunciation, 'shee-roh-ee'. The 'o' sound might be slightly more rounded.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing the final 'i' too short, making it sound like 'shir-oh'.
  • Adding an English 'r' sound to the 'ro' syllable.
  • Overemphasizing one syllable instead of maintaining a relatively flat intonation.

Rhymes With

akai (red) aoi (blue) takai (high, expensive) yasui (cheap, easy) oishii (delicious)

Difficulty Rating

خواندن 1/5

easy

Writing 2/5

moderate

Speaking 1/5

easy

شنیدن 1/5

easy

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Colors (basic) Nouns (common objects) Basic sentence structure (A1)

Learn Next

黒い (kuroi) 赤い (akai) 青い (aoi) Other i-adjectives

پیشرفته

Idiomatic expressions involving 'shiro' Symbolism of colors in Japanese culture

Grammar to Know

I-Adjective Conjugation (Negative)

白い -> 白くない (shiroi -> shirokunai)

I-Adjective Conjugation (Past Tense)

白い -> 白かった (shiroi -> shirokatta)

Adjective Placement

白い + Noun

Examples by Level

1

これは 白い です。

This is white.

Use 'desu' at the end of a sentence for politeness.

2

白い くま。

White bear.

Adjective comes before the noun.

3

白い はな。

White flower.

Nouns don't usually need articles like 'a' or 'the'.

4

しろい ねこ。

White cat.

Hiragana for 'shiroi' is しろい.

5

しろい くも。

White cloud.

'Kumo' means cloud.

6

しろい ゆき。

White snow.

'Yuki' means snow.

7

しろい くるま。

White car.

'Kuruma' means car.

8

しろい ぼうし。

White hat.

'Boushi' means hat.

1

あの 家は 白い です。

That house is white.

'Ano' means 'that' (referring to something distant).

2

私は 白い シャツを 着ます。

I wear a white shirt.

'Kimasu' means 'to wear'.

3

公園に 白い 花が 咲いています。

White flowers are blooming in the park.

'Saitte imasu' means 'are blooming'.

4

彼の 帽子は とても 白い です。

His hat is very white.

'Totemo' means 'very'.

5

この 犬は 白い 毛を しています。

This dog has white fur.

'Ke' means 'fur' or 'hair'.

6

白い ご飯が 好きです。

I like white rice.

'Gohan' means cooked rice.

7

空に 白い 雲が あります。

There are white clouds in the sky.

'Sora' means sky.

8

彼女は 白い ドレスを 着ていました。

She was wearing a white dress.

'Dress' is borrowed from English.

1

その 白い 馬は とても 美しかった。

That white horse was very beautiful.

Past tense of 'shiroi' is 'shirokatta'.

2

新しい 家は 壁が 白い。

The new house has white walls.

Can describe a part of something.

3

彼は 白い 目で 私を 見た。

He looked at me with suspicion (lit. white eyes).

Idiom: 白い目で見られる (shiroi me de mirareru).

4

この 絵の具は 純粋な 白い 色です。

This paint is a pure white color.

'Junsui na' means 'pure'.

5

冬になると、この 地域は 白い 雪に 覆われる。

In winter, this region is covered in white snow.

'Oowareru' means 'to be covered'.

6

彼女は 結婚式のために 白い ベールを 選んだ。

She chose a white veil for the wedding.

'Kekkonshiki' means wedding ceremony.

7

古い 写真は 色あせて 白っぽく 見える。

Old photographs fade and look whitish.

'Shiroppoku' means 'whitish'.

8

その 計画は 白紙に 戻された。

That plan was scrapped (returned to blank paper).

Idiom: 白紙に戻す (hakushi ni modosu).

1

その 芸術家は 白い キャンバスに 自由な 発想を 描いた。

The artist drew free ideas on the white canvas.

Implies a fresh start or potential.

2

彼は 突然の 批判に 白い 目を 向けられた。

He was met with suspicious glances due to the sudden criticism.

Idiom: 白い目で見られる.

3

この 白い 粉は 何ですか? 食用ですか?

What is this white powder? Is it edible?

Context is crucial for safety.

4

彼女の 潔白さは 白い 雪のように 清らかだ。

Her innocence is as pure as white snow.

Simile emphasizing purity.

5

長年の 議論に やっと 白黒が ついた。

A conclusion was finally reached after years of debate.

Idiom: 白黒つける (shirokuro tsukeru).

6

この 白磁の 壺は 非常に 高価で ある。

This white porcelain vase is extremely valuable.

'Hakuji' refers to white porcelain.

7

彼の 説明は あまりに 白々しくて、誰も 信じようと しなかった。

His explanation was so obviously false that nobody tried to believe it.

'Shirabirashii' is an adjective derived from 'shiroi', meaning 'unconvincing' or 'obviously false'.

8

すべての 記録は 破棄され、プロジェクトは 白紙に 戻された。

All records were destroyed, and the project was started from scratch.

Emphasizes a complete reset.

1

その 建築様式は、ミニマリズムの 哲学を 反映し、徹底的に 白い 色調を 採用している。

The architectural style reflects a minimalist philosophy, employing an extremely white color palette.

Discusses aesthetic and philosophical choices.

2

彼は 過去の 失敗から 白紙に 戻る 覚悟を 決め、新たな 挑戦に 臨んだ。

He resolved to start over from scratch after past failures and faced a new challenge.

Figurative use of 'hakushi ni modoru' for a fresh start.

3

彼女の 芸術は、しばしば 純粋さや 無垢さを 象徴する 白い モチーフを 用いて、観る者に 静謐な 感覚を 与える。

Her art often uses white motifs, symbolizing purity and innocence, giving viewers a sense of tranquility.

Connects white to abstract concepts like purity and tranquility.

4

長引く 交渉の 末、ついに 両者は 互いの 主張に 白黒を つける ことに 合意した。

After prolonged negotiations, the two parties finally agreed to settle their claims.

Formal context for resolving disputes.

5

その 政治家の 言動は、あまりにも 白々しく、国民の 不信感を 煽る 結果と なった。

The politician's words and actions were so unconvincing that they ended up fueling public distrust.

Usage of 'shirabirashii' in a political context.

6

かつては 鮮やかな 色彩で 知られた この 染料も、時を経て 白く 色褪せて しまった。

This dye, once known for its vivid colors, has faded to white over time.

Describes fading and loss of color.

7

彼は、自身の 潔白を 証明するため、あらゆる 疑惑に 白黒を つける 必要が あった。

He needed to resolve all suspicions to prove his innocence.

Emphasizes proving innocence.

8

この 現代美術の 作品は、鑑賞者に 余白の 美、すなわち 白い 空間の 重要性を 問いかけている。

This contemporary art piece asks the viewer about the beauty of negative space, that is, the importance of white space.

Discusses 'ma' (間) and negative space.

1

禅の 思想において、白は 無限の 可能性を 秘めた 空(くう)の 色であり、万物の 源流と される。

In Zen philosophy, white is the color of 'ku' (emptiness), holding infinite potential, and is considered the source of all things.

Connects white to philosophical concepts like 'ku' and potentiality.

2

その 古代の 儀式では、神聖な 空間を 清めるために、白い 絹の 布が 用いられた。

In that ancient ritual, white silk cloths were used to purify the sacred space.

Historical and ritualistic use of white.

3

彼の 文体は、しばしば 意図的に 白々しい までの 客観性を 追求し、読者に 解釈の 余地を 与える。

His writing style often pursues an intentionally stark objectivity, leaving room for reader interpretation.

Advanced use of 'shirabirashii' to describe stylistic choices.

4

この 作品は、喪失と 再生を テーマに、白い 灰から 立ち上がる phoenix の 寓意を 表現している。

This artwork, themed around loss and rebirth, expresses the allegory of a phoenix rising from white ashes.

Symbolic use of white ashes.

5

裁判官は、すべての 証拠を 精査し、事件の 白黒を 明確に する 判決を 下した。

The judge meticulously examined all evidence and delivered a verdict that clearly resolved the case.

Formal legal context for 'shirokuro'.

6

その 批評家は、現代アートにおける 白の 多義性、すなわち 虚無から 創造までを 包含する その 幅広さに 言及した。

The critic referred to the polysemy of white in contemporary art, its breadth encompassing everything from nothingness to creation.

Discusses the multifaceted meanings of white in art.

7

彼は、自身の 潔白の 証明が ままならない 状況に 苛まれ、すべてを 白紙に 戻したいと 願った。

He was tormented by the inability to prove his innocence and wished to return everything to a blank slate.

Emotional context for 'hakushi ni modosu'.

8

この 白磁の 釉薬は、極めて 精緻な 温度管理を 要し、その 焼成は 芸術的 挑戦の 極みで ある。

This white porcelain glaze requires extremely precise temperature control, and its firing is the pinnacle of artistic challenge.

Technical description of 'hakuji' production.

ترکیب‌های رایج

白いご飯 (shiroi gohan)
白い犬 (shiroi inu)
白いシャツ (shiroi shatsu)
白い肌 (shiroi hada)
白い歯 (shiroi ha)
白い目で見られる (shiroi me de mirareru)
白い恋人 (shiroi koibito)
白い粉 (shiroi kona)
白い光 (shiroi hikari)
白いペンキ (shiroi penki)
白紙に戻す (hakushi ni modosu)

Idioms & Expressions

"白い目で見られる (shiroi me de mirareru)"

To be looked at with suspicion or disapproval.

彼の奇妙な行動に、皆が白い目で見ていた。(Everyone was looking at him suspiciously because of his strange behavior.)

neutral

"白紙に戻す (hakushi ni modosu)"

To cancel something completely; to start over from scratch.

会議での決定は、その後白紙に戻された。(The decision made in the meeting was later scrapped.)

neutral

"白黒つける (shirokuro tsukeru)"

To settle a matter; to make a clear decision; to resolve an issue.

この件については、早く白黒つけたい。(I want to settle this matter quickly.)

neutral

"白々しい (shirabirashii)"

Unconvincing; obviously false; feigning innocence.

彼の言い訳は白々しかった。(His excuse was unconvincing.)

neutral

"棚から牡丹餅 (tana kara botamochi)"

Unexpected good fortune; a windfall; a lucky break.

宝くじに当たったのは、まさに棚から牡丹餅だ。(Winning the lottery was truly a stroke of luck.)

neutral

"白髪(しらが)の生える (shiraga no haeru)"

To grow gray or white hair; to age; to become old.

心配事で白髪が増えた。(My gray hair increased due to worry.)

neutral

Easily Confused

白い vs 黒い (kuroi)

Both are basic color adjectives.

'Kuroi' means black, the direct opposite of white.

白い犬 (shiroi inu - white dog) vs. 黒い犬 (kuroi inu - black dog).

白い vs 無色 (mushoku)

Both relate to the absence of strong color.

'Shiroi' is a specific color (white). 'Mushoku' means colorless or transparent.

白い紙 (shiroi kami - white paper) vs. 無色の液体 (mushoku no ekitai - colorless liquid).

白い vs 白っぽい (shiroppoi)

Both relate to the color white.

'Shiroi' means purely white. 'Shiroppoi' means whitish or pale, not fully white.

白いペンキ (shiroi penki - white paint) vs. 白っぽいシャツ (shiroppoi shatsu - whitish shirt).

白い vs 明るい (akarui)

White is a light color.

'Shiroi' refers to the specific color white. 'Akarui' means bright or light (in terms of luminosity or tone), and can apply to any color.

明るい青 (akarui ao - light blue) vs. 白い青 (shiroi ao - not a standard phrase, implies a very pale blue).

Sentence Patterns

A1

Noun + は + 白い + です。

この猫は白いです。(Kono neko wa shiroi desu.)

A1

白い + Noun

私は白い帽子が好きです。(Watashi wa shiroi boushi ga suki desu.)

A2

Noun + が + 白い

あの雲が白い。(Ano kumo ga shiroi.)

B1

Noun + は + 白く + Verb/Adjective

壁を白く塗った。(Kabe o shiroku nutta.) - Painted the wall white.

B2

Idiom involving 白い/白

彼は白い目で私を見た。(Kare wa shiroi me de watashi o mita.)

خانواده کلمه

Nouns

白 (shiro) White (color or concept)
白さ (shiro-sa) Whiteness (quality of being white)

Adjectives

白い (shiroi) White
白っぽい (shiroppoi) Whitish

مرتبط

白熱する (hakunetsu suru) Derived from 'white heat', meaning to become excited or fervent.
白紙に戻す (hakushi ni modosu) Uses the noun 'hakushi' (blank paper) in an idiomatic verb phrase.

How to Use It

Formality Scale

Formal: 白い (shiroi) is standard and acceptable in all contexts. Neutral: 白い (shiroi) is the most common and versatile form. Casual: 白い (shiroi) is used casually without issue. Slang: N/A (no specific slang variations for 'shiroi').

اشتباهات رایج

Using 'shiro' (noun) instead of 'shiroi' (adjective) before a noun. 白い猫 (shiroi neko)
'Shiroi' is the adjective form needed to modify nouns directly. 'Shiro' is the noun for the color white.
Confusing 'shiroi' (white) with 'akai' (red) or other colors. 赤い車 (akai kuruma - red car)
Remember the distinct sounds and meanings for each basic color adjective.
Forgetting to conjugate the adjective for past tense or negative. その服は白かった (sono fuku wa shirokatta - That dress was white)
Adjectives change form for tense and negation, just like verbs.
Using 'wa' particle incorrectly with adjectives. この花は白い (kono hana wa shiroi - This flower is white)
The topic marker 'wa' is used when the adjective is the predicate (describing the topic).
Overusing the literal meaning in idiomatic contexts. 彼は白い目で私を見た。(Kare wa shiroi me de watashi o mita - He looked at me with suspicion.)
Expressions like 'shiroi me de mirareru' have figurative meanings beyond the literal color.

Tips

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Visual Link

Imagine a giant, fluffy white marshmallow saying 'Shiroi!'

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Everyday Objects

Practice describing common household items: 'shiroi teeburu' (white table), 'shiroi soreeji' (white toothpaste).

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Symbolism Context

Remember white's association with purity in weddings (白いドレス - shiroi doresu) and cleanliness (白いタオル - shiroi taoru).

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Adjective Placement

Always place 'shiroi' directly before the noun it modifies (e.g., 'shiroi hana' - white flower).

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Clear Ending

Make sure to pronounce the final 'i' sound clearly in 'shiroi' – it's not 'shir-oh'.

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Noun vs. Adjective

Don't use the noun 'shiro' (白) when you need the adjective 'shiroi' (白い) to describe a noun.

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Color Basics

Shiroi is one of the five basic color adjectives in Japanese, alongside akai (red), aoi (blue), kuroi (black), and omoi (yellow - though this is less common now).

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Color Association

Create flashcards pairing English colors with their Japanese counterparts. Include a picture for each.

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Food Descriptions

Use 'shiroi gohan' (white rice) and 'shiroi pan' (white bread) when talking about meals.

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Negative Form

To say 'not white', simply change the ending: 'shiroi' -> 'shirokunai'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'shy' person ('shi') who is 'rowing' ('roi') a boat on a bright, 'white' day.

Visual Association

Picture a polar bear (white bear) sitting on a snowy white landscape.

Word Web

Color Snow Paper Purity Cleanliness Light Blank

چالش

Look around your room and name five things that are 'shiroi'.

ریشه کلمه

Japanese

Original meaning: The root 'shiro' (白) has referred to the color white since ancient times in Japanese.

بافت فرهنگی

While generally neutral, the association of white with purity can sometimes lead to discussions about skin color and beauty standards, particularly in East Asian contexts where fair skin is often idealized.

In English-speaking cultures, white often symbolizes purity (weddings), peace (white dove), surrender (white flag), and cleanliness. It can also represent emptiness or coldness.

The song 'White Christmas'. The film 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'. The concept of 'white space' in design and art. The 'white flag' as a symbol of truce.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Describing objects

  • 白い車 (shiroi kuruma) - white car
  • 白い机 (shiroi tsukue) - white desk
  • 白いカーテン (shiroi kaaten) - white curtains

Food

  • 白いご飯 (shiroi gohan) - white rice
  • 白いパン (shiroi pan) - white bread
  • 白い牛乳 (shiroi gyuunyuu) - white milk

Nature

  • 白い雲 (shiroi kumo) - white clouds
  • 白い雪 (shiroi yuki) - white snow
  • 白い花 (shiroi hana) - white flower

Figurative/Idiomatic

  • 白い目で見られる (shiroi me de mirareru) - be viewed with suspicion
  • 白紙に戻す (hakushi ni modosu) - scrap and start over
  • 白黒つける (shirokuro tsukeru) - settle a matter

Conversation Starters

"What's your favorite white food?"

"Do you prefer white clothes or colorful clothes?"

"Can you describe the whitest thing you saw today?"

"What does the color white mean to you?"

"Have you ever seen a white animal? What was it?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a room in your house using the word 'shiroi'.

Write about a time you felt 'shiroi me de mirareru' (viewed with suspicion).

Imagine a world without the color white. What would it be like?

Describe your favorite white object and why you like it.

سوالات متداول

8 سوال

While 'shiroi' is the standard adjective for white, the noun 'shiro' (白) also means white. There are also more technical or poetic terms, but 'shiroi' is the most common and versatile for everyday use.

To make 'shiroi' negative, you change the ending 'i' to 'kunai'. So, 'not white' is 'shirokunai' (白くない).

To make 'shiroi' past tense, you change the ending 'i' to 'katta'. So, 'was white' is 'shirokatta' (白かった).

No, Japanese adjectives like 'shiroi' do not change form for plural nouns. 'Shiroi neko' can mean 'white cat' or 'white cats'.

'Shiroi' specifically means the color white. 'Mushoku' means colorless, implying the absence of any color, which might include transparency.

Yes, 'shiroi' can appear in idioms and expressions where 'white' carries symbolic meaning, like purity or suspicion (e.g., 白い目で見られる - shiroi me de mirareru).

'Shiroi' is one of the most fundamental and frequently used color adjectives in Japanese, alongside 'akai' (red) and 'aoi' (blue).

Yes, simply add 'desu' at the end: 'Shiroi desu' (白いです).

خودت رو بسنج

fill blank A1

これは ___ です。

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: 白い

The sentence structure 'Kore wa ___ desu' means 'This is ___'. We are describing something as white.

multiple choice A2

Which Japanese word means 'white'?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: 白い (shiroi)

Shiroi is the adjective for the color white.

true false B1

The adjective 'shiroi' can only be used to describe inanimate objects.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: نادرست

'Shiroi' can describe anything that is white, including animals (like a white dog - 白い犬) or even abstract concepts in idioms.

match pairs B1

Word

معنی

All matched!

These are common combinations of 'shiroi' with everyday nouns.

sentence order B2

کلمات زیر رو بزن تا جمله رو بسازی
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:

The correct order is 'Kono inu wa shiroi desu' (This dog is white). The adjective 'shiroi' comes before the noun 'inu' when describing it directly within the sentence structure.

fill blank B2

彼の言い訳は ___ かった。

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: 白々しく

'Shirabirashiku' is an adverbial form meaning 'unconvincingly' or 'obviously false', fitting the context of an excuse.

multiple choice C1

What does the idiom '白紙に戻す (hakushi ni modosu)' mean?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: To cancel completely and start over

This idiom means to scrap something or return to the beginning, like starting with a blank piece of paper.

sentence completion A1

空は ___ です。

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:

While 'shiroi' means white, the sky is typically 'aoi' (blue).

translation A2

Translate: 'I have a white cat.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:

Use 'shiroi' before 'neko' (cat) and the appropriate sentence structure.

fill blank C2

禅の思想では、白は無限の可能性を秘めた ___ の色とされる。

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:

In Zen philosophy, white represents 'ku' (空), emptiness or void, symbolizing infinite potential.

امتیاز: /10

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