Meaning
The kanji 塚 (tsuka) means 'mound,' 'hillock,' 'tumulus,' or 'barrow.' This character describes a small, raised natural or artificial pile of earth or stones. Often, people created these mounds for burial, commemoration, or as landmarks. More broadly, it can also refer to a collection or heap of something. Historically, these mounds were important structures, frequently marking ancient burial sites. They also served as territorial markers along roads.
The kanji's etymology reveals its meaning clearly. 塚 is a phono-semantic compound, combining two main parts. On the left is the radical 土 (tsuchi), meaning 'earth' or 'soil.' This radical directly indicates the kanji's semantic category, signifying something made of or related to earth—a central concept for a mound. On the right is 家 (ie), meaning 'house' or 'family.' This component acts as a phonetic indicator, providing a sound similar to 'ka' in its original Chinese pronunciation. This sound eventually influenced the 'tsuka' reading in Japanese. Beyond its phonetic role, the 'house' component also evokes the idea of a dwelling or resting place, often associating burial mounds with a final 'home' for the deceased.
Visually, imagine a small structure or dwelling (家) built upon or made of earth (土), forming a distinctive mound. This image strengthens the core meaning of a raised earth structure, whether for burial, remembrance, or simply a natural elevation. This composition helps in grasping why 塚 signifies a mound or tumulus. It often points to a significant structure for remembrance or burial.
This kanji has 12 strokes and is a Joyo kanji. It's one of the 2,136 characters designated for common use in Japan. While not assigned a specific grade in elementary school, students generally encounter it in secondary school or beyond. Its JLPT N1 classification shows it appears in more advanced vocabulary.
Readings
The kanji 塚 (tsuka) is primarily known for its native Japanese reading, or Kun'yomi. Unlike many kanji, it has no commonly used On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) in modern Japanese vocabulary for students to learn. Therefore, learners should focus mainly on its Kun'yomi.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
Some historical dictionaries or specialized texts might list an extremely obscure On'yomi (e.g., チョウ (chou)). However, this reading is practically nonexistent in contemporary Japanese; learners will rarely, if ever, encounter it. For daily Japanese use and JLPT preparation, consider 塚 to have no common On'yomi. Its meaning is conveyed almost exclusively through its Kun'yomi.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main, almost exclusive Kun'yomi for 塚 is:
つか (tsuka) — You'll find this reading when the kanji stands alone or forms compound words. These compounds directly relate to its core meaning of "mound," "hillock," or "tumulus." It brings to mind natural rises in the land or man-made earthworks, often holding cultural or historical significance.
塚 (tsuka) — mound, hillock, tumulus, barrow (e.g., a standalone small mound)
古墳塚 (kofun-zuka) — ancient burial mound (specifically refers to tumuli from the Kofun period in Japan)
狐塚 (kitsune-zuka) — fox mound (a small mound or shrine often associated with foxes in Japanese folklore and Inari worship)
一里塚 (ichiri-zuka) — milestone (literally "one-ri mound," referring to historical markers along old Japanese roads)
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 塚 appears in various compound words. It usually keeps its core meaning of 'mound,' but can also extend to commemorative structures or metaphorical heaps. These compounds often highlight aspects of Japanese history, folklore, and archaeology.
General Mounds and Burial Sites:
古墳塚 (kofun-zuka) — ancient burial mound, tumulus. This term specifically refers to the large, often keyhole-shaped burial mounds characteristic of Japan's Kofun period (3rd to 7th century AD).
貝塚 (kaizuka) — shell mound, midden. An archaeological site consisting of a mound of discarded shells and other refuse, providing valuable insights into prehistoric human settlement and diet.
積石塚 (tsumiishi-zuka) — stone mound, cairn. A mound made of piled stones, often used for burial, as a memorial, or for navigational purposes in some cultures.
円墳塚 (enpun-zuka) — circular burial mound. A specific type of tumulus characterized by its circular shape, as opposed to keyhole or square shapes.
Commemorative and Folkloric Mounds:
供養塚 (kuyō-zuka) — memorial mound, offering mound. A mound erected to pray for the repose of souls. It also commemorates specific individuals, events, or even animals, often found near temples or historical sites.
筆塚 (fude-zuka) — brush mound. A unique Japanese cultural practice. Old writing brushes are buried here, often with a ceremony. This shows respect for the tools of learning and art, recognizing their spiritual significance.
人形塚 (ningyō-zuka) — doll mound. A mound where old or broken dolls are respectfully interred. This reflects a belief in the spiritual essence of such objects, often accompanied by ceremonies to thank them for their service.
狐塚 (kitsune-zuka) — fox mound. A small mound or shrine dedicated to foxes (kitsune). They are often seen as messengers of Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of rice, sake, and prosperity.
Landmarks and Historical Markers:
一里塚 (ichiri-zuka) — milestone, roadside mound. Historically, these mounds were placed at one-ri (approximately 4 km or 2.5 miles) intervals along major roads during the Edo period. They served to mark distances for travelers.
塚山 (tsukayama) — a small mound-like hill. This term often appears in place names, indicating a location characterized by a distinctive mound or small hill.
Example Sentences
公園の奥に小さな塚があります。
Kōen no oku ni chiisana tsuka ga arimasu.
There is a small mound at the back of the park.
古代の古墳塚は日本の歴史を物語っています。
Kodai no kofun-zuka wa Nihon no rekishi wo monogatatte imasu.
Ancient burial mounds tell the story of Japanese history.
考古学者はその場所で貝塚を発見した。
Kōkogakusha wa sono basho de kaizuka wo hakken shita.
The archaeologist discovered a shell mound at that location.
旅人は一里塚を見て、道のりを測った。
Tabibito wa ichiri-zuka wo mite, michinori wo hakatta.
The traveler looked at the milestone and measured the distance.
この地域の塚は、かつては神聖な場所でした。
Kono chiiki no tsuka wa, katsute wa shinsei na basho deshita.
The mounds in this area were once sacred places.
使い古された筆は筆塚に納められます。
Tsukai furusareta fude wa fude-zuka ni osameraremasu.
Worn-out brushes are enshrined in a brush mound.
彼は畑の隅に小さな石の塚を築いた。
Kare wa hata no sumi ni chiisana ishi no tsuka wo kizuita.
He built a small stone mound in the corner of the field.
伝説によると、その塚の下には宝物が隠されているらしい。
Densetsu ni yoru to, sono tsuka no shita ni wa takaramono ga kakusarete iru rashii.
According to legend, treasure is hidden beneath that mound.
子供たちは裏庭の落ち葉を大きな塚にした。
Kodomo-tachi wa uraniwa no ochiba wo ookina tsuka ni shita.
The children made a big mound of fallen leaves in the backyard.
この供養塚は戦没者のために建てられた。
Kono kuyō-zuka wa senbotsusha no tame ni taterareta.
This memorial mound was erected for the war dead.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 塚 (tsuka), picture it as a 'house on earth.' The left radical, 土, means 'earth' or 'soil.' It's a basic component for kanji related to ground or land. The right component, 家, means 'house' or 'family.' Imagine a small house, perhaps a simple dwelling, or more poignantly, a revered family plot or final resting place, built upon a raised mound of earth. This visual story directly connects the two components to the meaning. A 'house' (家) made of or placed upon 'earth' (土) forms a 'mound' or 'tumulus' (塚), often serving as a significant landmark or burial site. The 'ka' sound in 家 also hints at the 'tsuka' reading, strengthening the association. So, remember: 'A house-like structure of earth is a mound.'