What Does “-ya” Mean in Japanese?🏮

Have you ever noticed Japanese shops with names ending in “-ya” (〜屋)? 🤔

If you are a student at Tomo Japanese, you may already know what “〜屋” means.

But for people who are learning Japanese for the first time, “〜屋” might be a little mysterious!

In Japanese, “屋（や）” originally means “shop” or “store.” It is often added to a word to describe the type of shop or what the shop sells.

For example, you may already know some famous Japanese stores in Singapore, such as Takashimaya, Kinokuniya, Meidiya, and Sukiya. 🇯🇵🇸🇬

There are also some more interesting examples!

At Takashimaya, you can find a shop called “Kyoho-ya,” which sells Japanese fruits, including delicious Kyoho grapes. 🍇

There is also “Ajiya,” a restaurant where you can enjoy okonomiyaki. 🥢

The interesting thing about “〜屋” is that it can be used in many different ways.

You may see it in the names of shops, restaurants, and businesses, and sometimes it gives the name a friendly and traditional Japanese feeling.

For example...

本屋（ほんや）：bookstore 📚

花屋（はなや）： flower shop 💐

魚屋（さかなや）： fish shop 🐟

肉屋（にくや）： meat shop 🥩

パン屋（パンや）： bakery 🍞

So, when you see a Japanese shop name ending in “〜屋,” you might be able to guess what kind of shop it is!

Next time you are walking around Singapore, keep an eye out for Japanese shop names.

You might discover a new “〜屋” that you have never noticed before! 👀✨

Do you know any other shops or restaurants with names ending in “〜屋”?

Sayuri