1.
Yamato, ancient Japan
The ancient name for Japan, or more specifically the Yamato region (present-day Nara Prefecture) where the early Japanese state was centered. Also refers to Japan as a whole in a classical or patriotic sense.
2.
Japanese, traditional Japanese
Used as a prefix to indicate something traditionally or authentically Japanese, often in contrast to foreign or Chinese-origin elements.
Pronunciation
This is an irregular reading (熟字訓). The kanji 大 and 和 normally read だいわ, but together as a place name they are read やまと.
Compounds
- 大和言葉: native Japanese words (as opposed to Sino-Japanese)
- 大和撫子: ideal Japanese woman; also the name for a pink flower
- 大和魂: Japanese spirit
- 大和朝廷: Yamato court (ancient Japanese government)
- 大和民族: Yamato people (ethnic Japanese)
Cultural note
The Yamato region (present-day Nara) was the political center of early Japan. The term carries strong cultural and historical connotations. 大和言葉 is an important linguistic concept referring to native Japanese vocabulary as distinct from Chinese-derived (漢語) and Western loanwords (外来語).