本土
Meanings
mainland; country proper; home territory
Refers to the main landmass or central territory, as opposed to islands, remote territories, colonies, or overseas areas. In Japanese contexts it often means mainland Japan as opposed to outlying islands.
It takes one hour by ferry from the island to the mainland.
The typhoon is expected to make landfall on the mainland tonight.
native country; country of birth; homeland
A less common use for the country one comes from or was born in; in modern everyday Japanese, 祖国, 故国, or 生まれた国 are often more natural depending on context.
In older writing, 本土 can refer to the country where one was born, in other words one's homeland.
Pure Land; Buddha realm
Buddhist terminology for a Buddha's land or realm, especially a pure land; this is a specialized religious use and not the everyday geographic meaning.
In this sutra, Amida Buddha's realm is depicted as a pure Buddha land.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉から本土へ渡るto cross over from a place (e.g. an island) to the mainland
The number of people crossing from Okinawa to the mainland has increased.
- 本土に上陸するto make landfall on the mainland
The typhoon made landfall on the mainland.
- 本土と〈場所〉を結ぶto connect the mainland with a place (e.g. an island)
This bridge connects the mainland with the remote island.