Meaning and Usage
The word "玉" (たま) primarily means a small spherical object such as a ball, marble, or coin. It is often used to refer to marbles children play with or small round objects in general.
Common Contexts
"玉" can refer to literal balls or marbles used in games, as well as precious or decorative spheres like jewels. It can also mean coins in some contexts, though this usage is less common in everyday speech.
Collocations and Patterns
- 玉を使う (たまをつかう): to use a ball or marble, often in games.
- 玉を集める (たまをあつめる): to collect balls or marbles, common in gaming contexts.
- 大事な玉 (だいじなたま): a precious or important ball or jewel.
Register and Nuance
"玉" is a neutral term and can be used in casual and formal contexts depending on the sentence. When referring to jewels or precious stones, it can carry a more refined nuance.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "玉" with "球" (きゅう), which also means ball or sphere but is used more for larger or scientific spheres (like a soccer ball or the Earth). "玉" tends to be used for smaller, tangible balls or marbles.