noun
the region in question; the local area
Refers to a specific place or locality, often in contrast to other areas.
この地では昔から祭りが行われている。
In this region, a festival has been held since ancient times.
noun
Used in compound words like 地肌 (bare skin) or 地黒 (naturally dark skin). Rarely used alone.
「地肌」という言葉で、素肌を指すことがある。
The word 地肌 can refer to bare skin.
noun
texture; fabric; material; weave
Refers to the texture or material quality of cloth, paper, etc. Often in compounds like 生地 (cloth, fabric).
この着物の地は絹です。
The fabric of this kimono is silk.
noun
Underlying base or background, as in 地色 (background color) or 地の文 (background text).
この紙は地が白くて書きやすい。
This paper has a white background and is easy to write on.
noun
A person's inherent character or disposition. Often used in phrases like 地が出る (one's true nature comes out).
酒を飲むと地が出る。
When he drinks, his true nature comes out.
noun
narrative; descriptive part of a story
In literature, the descriptive or narrative passages as opposed to dialogue. Often 地の文.
小説の地の文が長すぎる。
The narrative passages in the novel are too long.
noun
real life; actuality
The real world as opposed to fiction or ideals. Used in expressions like 地で行く (to go in real life).
彼は小説の主人公を地で行くような人物だ。
He is a person who seems to live out the life of a novel's protagonist.
noun
noh chorus
In Noh theater, the chorus that sits at the side and chants.
See also: 地謡
能では地が物語の背景を語る。
In Noh, the chorus narrates the background of the story.
noun
accompaniment music
In Japanese dance, the musical accompaniment.
日本舞踊では地に合わせて踊る。
In Japanese dance, one dances to the accompaniment music.
noun
basic phrase
In Japanese music, a basic, often repetitive phrase.
この曲の地は単純な繰り返しだ。
The basic phrase of this piece is a simple repetition.
noun
base part
In shamisen music, the base part when multiple shamisens play together.
三味線の合奏では、地が全体を支える。
In shamisen ensembles, the base part supports the whole.
地面 specifically means the ground or earth's surface, while 地 has broader meanings including land, region, texture, etc.
土地 refers to a plot of land or locality, often with economic or geographical connotations, whereas 地 can be more abstract.
生地 is the common word for cloth or fabric; 地 alone is used in compounds or technical contexts.
The kanji 地 originally depicts earth or ground. The reading じ is the on'yomi, used in many compounds. The word has developed numerous extended meanings in Japanese, from physical ground to abstract concepts like base or nature.