Dictionary
English - Japanese

Wall

wɔl
Extremely common
600 - 700
600 - 700
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

壁 (かべ), 障壁 (しょうへき), 城壁 (じょうへき), 壁面 (へきめん), 障害物 (しょうがいぶつ)

Wall meanings in Japanese

壁 (かべ)

Example:
The cat jumped onto the wall.
猫は壁に飛び乗った。
I painted the wall blue.
私は壁を青く塗った。
Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday conversation to refer to physical walls in buildings or structures.
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'wall' and can refer to interior walls, exterior walls, and even figurative barriers.

障壁 (しょうへき)

Example:
There are many barriers in communication.
コミュニケーションには多くの障壁がある。
Cultural barriers can hinder understanding.
文化的な障壁は理解を妨げることがある。
Usage: formalContext: Used in discussions about communication, psychology, and socio-cultural issues.
Note: This term refers to metaphorical walls or barriers, often in the context of communication or relationships.

城壁 (じょうへき)

Example:
The ancient castle had tall walls.
その古代の城には高い城壁があった。
They fortified the city with walls.
彼らは城を城壁で強化した。
Usage: formalContext: Used in historical or architectural contexts, particularly when discussing fortifications.
Note: This term specifically refers to the walls of castles or cities, often used in historical narratives.

壁面 (へきめん)

Example:
The wall surface needs to be repaired.
壁面は修理が必要です。
He put a poster on the wall surface.
彼は壁面にポスターを貼った。
Usage: formalContext: Used in technical or architectural discussions concerning the surfaces of walls.
Note: This term is more specific to the surface area of the wall, often used in design or construction contexts.

障害物 (しょうがいぶつ)

Example:
The wall blocked my view.
その障害物が私の視界を遮った。
There was a wall in the way during the race.
レース中に障害物があった。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in contexts where walls or objects obstruct movement or visibility.
Note: This term can refer to any kind of obstruction, not just physical walls.

Wall's synonyms

barrier

A barrier is a structure that blocks or impedes movement or access.
Example: The barrier was erected to prevent unauthorized entry.
Note: A wall is a specific type of barrier that is typically solid and used to enclose or divide spaces.

partition

A partition is a dividing structure that separates areas within a larger space.
Example: The partition between the two offices provided privacy for each employee.
Note: While a wall can be a partition, a partition can also be a temporary or movable structure.

fence

A fence is a barrier made of posts and wire or wood, used to mark a boundary or for protection.
Example: The garden was enclosed by a wooden fence.
Note: Fences are typically more open and less solid than walls, often used for marking boundaries or keeping animals in or out.

boundary

A boundary is a line or physical structure that separates one area from another.
Example: The stone wall marked the boundary between the two properties.
Note: While a wall can serve as a boundary, a boundary can also be marked by other means such as a fence or natural features.

Wall expressions, common phrases

Hit a wall

To hit a wall means to reach a point where progress stops or becomes difficult.
Example: I've been working on this project for hours, but I've hit a wall and can't figure out the next step.
Note: The phrase uses 'wall' metaphorically to represent a barrier or obstacle in one's path.

Have one's back against the wall

When someone has their back against the wall, it means they are in a difficult situation with limited options or resources.
Example: The company is struggling financially, and we have our backs against the wall trying to find a solution.
Note: The phrase uses 'wall' to symbolize being in a tight or challenging position.

Talk to a brick wall

To talk to a brick wall means to speak to someone who is not listening or understanding.
Example: I've tried to explain the situation to him, but it's like talking to a brick wall; he just doesn't listen.
Note: This idiom uses 'brick wall' to emphasize the futility of communicating with someone unresponsive.

Climb the walls

When someone is climbing the walls, they are extremely restless, anxious, or bored.
Example: Being stuck indoors all day makes me feel like I'm climbing the walls with boredom.
Note: The phrase uses 'walls' as a metaphor for feeling confined or restricted.

Drive someone up the wall

To drive someone up the wall means to annoy or irritate them greatly.
Example: Her constant whining is really driving me up the wall!
Note: The phrase uses 'wall' to convey a sense of frustration or exasperation caused by someone's behavior.

Walls have ears

This phrase warns that private conversations can be overheard or secrets revealed.
Example: Be careful what you say, you never know who might be listening; walls have ears.
Note: The idiom uses 'walls' as a way to illustrate the idea that even in seemingly private spaces, information can be leaked.

Break down walls

To break down walls means to overcome barriers or prejudices that separate people.
Example: Music has the power to break down walls between people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Note: The phrase uses 'walls' metaphorically to represent divisions or obstacles that hinder understanding or communication.

Wall everyday (slang) expressions

Off the wall

This slang term means unconventional, crazy, or unexpected. It diverges from the original meaning of 'wall' by emphasizing something that is out of the ordinary or unusual.
Example: His ideas are completely off the wall, but sometimes they work out brilliantly.
Note:

The writing on the wall

This term refers to a sign or indication that something is going to happen in the future. It suggests a clear prediction or warning.
Example: The company's poor financial reports were the writing on the wall for its impending bankruptcy.
Note:

Bang one's head against a brick wall

To repeatedly try to accomplish something that is futile or challenging. It emphasizes the frustration and lack of progress.
Example: I feel like I'm banging my head against a brick wall trying to get my boss to listen to my suggestions.
Note:

Fly on the wall

Refers to being an unnoticed observer of a situation. It suggests the desire to witness or overhear something secretly.
Example: I wish I could be a fly on the wall during that meeting to learn what really happened.
Note:

Wallflower

Describes a shy or introverted person who tends to remain in the background. It diverges from the original meaning of 'wall' by alluding to someone who avoids the spotlight.
Example: She used to be a wallflower at parties, but now she's the life of the party.
Note:

Run into a brick wall

To encounter a difficult obstacle or challenge that hinders progress. It emphasizes a sense of being stuck or blocked.
Example: I've run into a brick wall with this project, I can't seem to make any progress.
Note:

Against the wall

In a challenging or difficult situation where there is little room for further setbacks. It suggests being in a tough position with limited options.
Example: Our team is against the wall in this competition, but we're not giving up.
Note:

Wall - Examples

The wall is made of bricks.
The castle had thick walls.
The village is surrounded by walls.

Wall grammar

Wall - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: wall
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): walls
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): wall
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): walled
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): walling
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): walls
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): wall
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): wall
Syllables, Separation and Stress
wall Contains 1 syllables: wall
Phonetic transcription: ˈwȯl
wall , ˈwȯl (The red syllable is stressed)

Wall - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
wall: 600 - 700 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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