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我が. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
我が, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
我が in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
我が you have here. The definition of the word
我が will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
我が, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Japanese
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吾が
我
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Etymology
Originally a compound of 我 (wa, “I, me”, archaic) + が (ga, particle). Now fossilized into a single term. Note that が in modern Japanese is used as the nominative or subject particle; in ancient Japanese, it was used as a possessive particle between two nouns, a usage still seen in some limited phrases, particularly in place names.
Pronunciation
Adnominal
我が • (waga)
- (archaic, now literary) my
- 我が妻 ― waga tsuma ― my wife
2014 November 7, “黄金のたてがみのジャザル (Ōgon no Tategami no Jazaru, “Jazal Goldmane”)”, in 統率者 [Commander], Wizards of the Coast:
- 我が王として、あの方は私の勇気の源泉である。我が兄として、あの方は私の願望を体現する者である。
- Waga ō to shite, ano kata wa watashi no yūki no gensen de aru. Waga ani to shite, ano kata wa watashi no ganbō o taigen suru mono de aru.
- As my king, he is the source of my courage. As my elder brother, he is the embodiment of my aspirations.
- (archaic, now literary) our
- 我が国 ― waga kuni ― our country
Usage notes
This is a fossilized phrase, and usage is somewhat restricted. Carries old-fashioned connotations, and suggests a favorable view of the following noun. When used in reference to an organization, the speaker must be a member of that organization.
Derived terms
See also
References
- ^ Shōgaku Tosho (1988) 国語大辞典（新装版） [Unabridged Dictionary of Japanese (Revised Edition)] (in Japanese), Tōkyō: Shogakukan, →ISBN