Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

真南蛮 (まなばん) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

真ま南な蛮ばん

Meanings

1

noun

incense variety used in kōdō (orig. from eastern India)

Specialized term in the context of kōdō (the art of incense). Refers to a specific type of incense originally from eastern India.

See also: 香道 (こうどう)

香こう道どうでは、真ま南な蛮ばんは東ひがしインド由ゆ来らいの香こう木ぼくとして珍ちん重ちょうされる。
In kōdō, manaban is prized as a fragrant wood originating from eastern India.

Kanji

真true, reality, Buddhist sect
南south
蛮barbarian

Similar words

香こう道どう
Kōdō is the traditional Japanese art of appreciating incense, within which manaban is a specific variety.

Etymology

The term combines 真 (true/genuine) and 南蛮 (nanban, referring to Southeast Asia or foreign goods from the south), indicating a genuine incense variety from the southern barbarian regions, historically eastern India.