城|しろshiro[0]heiban (flat)

1. nouncastle
   その城しろは１６１０年ねんに建たてられた。↗

   The castle dates back to 1610.

• SynonymシャトーNeutralFrench loanword for a French-style castle or wine estate; common on wine labels and in shop names.
• Synonym城郭じょうかくWrittenWritten word for the whole castle complex enclosed by its walls; in daily speech say 「城」.
• SynonymキャッスルNeutralLoanword used mainly for Western-style castles, and in names of condos and shops; a Japanese castle is 「城」.
• Related砦とりでNeutralA defensive fort or stronghold, smaller in scale; also figuratively one's last line of defense. 「城」 also serves as the lord's residence.
• Related要塞ようさいNeutralA military fortress, typically built at borders or on coasts; 「城」 also had the character of a lord's residence.
• Related城塞じょうさいWrittenWritten word covering both castle and fort; in everyday speech just say 「城」.
• Related館やかたNeutralThe mansion of a noble or lord, with an old-fashioned or fairy-tale feel; 「城」 stresses the defensive structure.
• Related要害ようがいWrittenWritten word for a strategic point in attack and defense, also vital spots on the body; 「城」 is a building.

Use 「城」 for Japanese castles and castles in general. For military forts pick 「砦」 or 「要塞」; for Western-style castles or shop names 「キャッスル」; for French wine estates 「シャトー」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. （しろ、き）戦時せんじにおける防御ぼうぎょのための建築物けんちくぶつで、平時へいじには世襲せしゅうの統治者とうちしゃの居館やかたとして利用りようされる建築物けんちくぶつ。
2. （地名ちめい + じょう） しろ。