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Japanese Level 2 noun

景色

keshiki

/keɕiki/

Definition

A view or scenery that you can see from a place, especially one that is beautiful.

Example

山の上からの景色はとても美しかった。

Show translation

The scenery from the top of the mountain was very beautiful.

Etymology

Composed of 景 (*kei*, "light, scene, view") and 色 (*shiki/iro*, "color, appearance"). The character 景 derives from the Chinese 景 meaning "bright scenery" or "view," originally depicting sunlight (日) over a tall form. Together, the compound evokes the vivid "colors of a scene" — the full visual impression of a landscape.

Cultural note

The appreciation of 景色 is deeply woven into Japanese culture. Certain viewpoints across Japan are officially celebrated as 名勝 (*meishō*, "famous scenic spots") and protected by law. The idea of pausing to take in a beautiful 景色 — from a mountain, a train window, or a temple garden — reflects the aesthetic value placed on *mono no aware* (the bittersweet beauty of transient things). June (the date of this card) is notably rainy season in Japan, and a misty 景色 of rice fields or mountains in the rain is considered its own kind of beauty.

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