Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 百人一首
Reading:
Voice sample:
ひゃくにんいっしゅ (hyakunin isshu)
English Translation:
Classical anthology of 100 waka poems by 100 poets
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
An anthology of 100 waka poems by 100 poets, a classic of Japanese literature.
日本語で読む
100人の歌人が1首ずつ詠んだ和歌を集めた日本文学の古典。
Cultural Context:
Still popular today through the competitive card game “Karuta,” especially during New Year celebrations.
日本語で読む
正月の「かるた取り」競技で今も親しまれている。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “を楽しむ” or “に親しむ” to refer to the classical Japanese poetry anthology or the card game based on it (“百人一首を楽しむ”).<br>• Strong cultural association with traditional literature and New Year’s activities.
日本語で読む
• 古典和歌集や、それを基にしたかるた遊びを表す「〜を楽しむ」「〜に親しむ」（例：「百人一首を楽しむ」）。<br>• 古典文学や正月の遊びと強く結びついている。
Trap for English Speakers
Might be mistaken as any set of poems, but it refers to a specific, historically significant anthology.
日本語で読む
単なる詩集ではなく、特定の歴史的に重要な和歌集を指す点に注意。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
冬休みに家族で百人一首を楽しんだ。
We enjoyed playing Hyakunin Isshu with the family over winter break.
Example 2Applied Example
百人一首大会、札を取る瞬間の彼の反射神経は一騎当千レベルだった。
In the Hyakunin Isshu tournament, his reflexes when grabbing the cards were on par with a warrior worth a thousand.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「百人一首」 mean?