How Do You Spell ARAKAWA?

Pronunciation: [ˌaɹɐkˈɑːwə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "arakawa" can be broken down using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The "a" sound is pronounced as the "ə" sound like in "about". The "r" is pronounced with a slightly trilled "r" sound like in "red". The "k" is pronounced with a hard "k" sound like in "king", and the "w" is pronounced as a "w" sound like in "we". Lastly, the "a" represents the "æ" sound, like in "apple". Thus, "arakawa" is pronounced "əˈrɑːkəwə".

ARAKAWA Meaning and Definition

  1. Arakawa is a proper noun in Japanese language that can have multiple meanings depending on the context. Here is a comprehensive dictionary definition of "Arakawa":

    1. Arakawa (荒川): It is a common Japanese surname derived from two kanji characters: "ara" meaning "rough" or "wilderness," and "kawa" meaning "river." It is a relatively common surname in Japan and can refer to individuals or families with the last name Arakawa.

    2. Arakawa: It is also a geographical term used for multiple places in Japan. The most famous is the Arakawa River (荒川), which is a major river flowing through Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. The Arakawa River spans approximately 173 kilometers and acts as a vital source of water and transportation. The river passes through various districts, including Arakawa Ward, Adachi Ward, and Kita Ward. These districts generally owe their names to the Arakawa River's proximity and have cultural and historical significance.

    3. Arakawa: In the field of art, Arakawa refers to Shusaku Arakawa (1936-2010), a renowned Japanese-born American artist and architect. Collaborating with his partner Madeline Gins, Arakawa developed a unique artistic style incorporating philosophy, cognitive science, and architectural elements. Their works emphasized the connection between body and mind, perception, and the built environment.

    Overall, "Arakawa" can indicate a family name, a river in Japan, or refer to the artist Shusaku Arakawa. The specific meaning largely depends on the context in which it is used.

Etymology of ARAKAWA

The word "Arakawa" is of Japanese origin. It is written in kanji as 荒川, where 荒 (ara) means "rough" or "wild", and 川 (kawa) means "river" or "stream". Therefore, "Arakawa" can be translated as "Rough River" or "Wild River" in English. The name likely originated from the characteristics of the river itself, reflecting its turbulent and fast-flowing nature. It is a common name for rivers, and there are multiple rivers in Japan named Arakawa.

Similar spelling words for ARAKAWA