ローマ字
Meanings
1
Latin alphabet; Roman alphabet
Refers to the alphabet itself, as used in English and many other languages. Often contrasted with かな and 漢字.
See also: ラテン文字
Japanese learners sometimes memorize words using the Latin alphabet.
2
romaji; romanized Japanese
Specifically the system or practice of writing Japanese in the Latin alphabet. Common systems include Hepburn, Kunrei-shiki, and Nihon-shiki.
See also: ローマ字綴り
Station names are also written in romaji.
Names in passports are written in Hepburn romaji.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉をローマ字で書くto write something in Roman letters/romaji
Please write your name in Roman letters.
- 〈物〉をローマ字で表記するto represent/transcribe something using the Roman alphabet
Place names are written using romaji.
- ローマ字を読むto read (something written in) Roman letters
Even the child became able to read romaji.