1.
Japan
The emphatic or formal pronunciation of Japan. Used in official contexts, sports cheering, and certain compound words.
The Bank of Japan is Japan's central bank.
[Note: 日本銀行 officially uses the にっぽん reading]
It's said to be the best ramen in Japan.
[Note: 日本一 (number one in Japan) often uses にっぽん]
When the Japanese national team won the gold medal at the Olympics, cheers of 'Nippon!' echoed through the venue.
Reading: 日本 has two readings:
- にほん - common, everyday reading
- にっぽん - emphatic, formal, traditional reading
Both readings are officially correct. There is no legal standard.
USES OF にっぽん:
- Sports cheering and patriotic contexts
- Official names: 日本銀行 (Bank of Japan), 日本放送協会 (NHK)
- Currency: 日本円 on banknotes
- Expressions: 日本一 (number one in Japan)
- Stamps and official seals
Note: On Japanese currency, にっぽん is used. The passport uses both depending on the edition.
Etymology: From 日の本 (origin of the sun), referring to Japan's position east of China.
Related Words
Compare:
日本 (Japan (common reading))