How to say "island" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe ordinary, all-purpose word for an island, whether small or large. This is the word you want in almost any sentence talking about an island as such, from casual conversation to writing.
- 島とうsuffixThe same word written with its kanji and read とう; the gloss capitalizes it, reflecting its use in island names and formal or written contexts. It is less common as a standalone reading than しま.
- nounA loanword meaning island, found chiefly in proper names, shop and resort names, and fashionable coinages. It is seldom the word you want for an ordinary reference to an island; しま is the natural choice.
Use 「しま」 for the everyday word 'island'; 島 read とう appears mainly in proper names and formal contexts; 「アイランド」 is a loanword used mostly in names and stylistic coinages.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
