Meaning and Usage
"博物館" (はくぶつかん) means "museum" in Japanese. It refers to a place where historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural artifacts are collected, preserved, and exhibited for public viewing.
Common Contexts
You will often hear this word when talking about outings, education, or cultural experiences. It is a formal noun used in everyday conversation and written language.
Typical Collocations
- 博物館へ行く (go to the museum): used when describing a visit.
- 博物館の展示 (museum exhibition): refers to the items or collections displayed.
- 博物館の入場料 (museum admission fee): common when discussing costs.
Register and Nuance
The word is neutral and polite, suitable for all levels of formality. It is not casual slang but is commonly used in daily conversation, school, and media.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse 博物館 with 美術館 (びじゅつかん), which specifically means "art museum" or "gallery." 博物館 covers a broader range of exhibits including history, science, and natural history.