New Zealand

Since 'New' means 'new,' it can be split at the first part. Because the leader of the first European expedition to reach New Zealand was Dutch, it was named after Zeeland in the Netherlands, his homeland—'New Zeeland,' i.e., Nova Zeelandia.

Eastern Dragon Gate

We split it into “登” and “竜門.” “Tōryūmon” (literally “ascending the Dragon Gate”) is based on a Chinese legend that a carp that climbs the rapid waterfall called the Dragon Gate becomes a dragon. It means seizing an opportunity for success by overcoming a difficult barrier or examination.

Kilimanjaro

“Kilimanjaro” can be divided into “Kilima” and “Njaro.” It derives from Mount Kilimanjaro, famous as a coffee-growing region. A common theory holds that the name’s etymology means “the white, shining mountain,” but the exact origin is uncertain.

Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa can be read in two parts: “Mona” and “Lisa.” The Mona Lisa is a painting of a woman’s smile by Leonardo da Vinci. “Mona” conveys the meaning of “lady,” and “Lisa” refers to Lisa Gherardini, the Italian woman who modeled for it. The use of color and technique are excellent, and it continues to be carefully preserved today.

prima donna

“Primadonna” is an Italian word that means the leading female singer in opera and similar performances. “Prima” means leading, and “donna” means woman. She is someone who drives the stage with high technical skill and expressive power. It’s an important role that brings emotion to everyone.

helicopter

Many people may think of it as “heri-kopter.” The word helicopter comes from the Greek helix or helic, meaning “spiral,” and pteron, meaning “wing,” and is based on a coined term formed by combining these two.

Triceratops

“Triceratops” can be divided into “tri,” “keras,” and “ops.” In Greek, “tri” means “three,” “keras” means “horn,” and “ops” means “face.” In other words, it means “a dinosaur with a three-horned face.”

Ka-mehameha

"Kamehameha" can be split into "Ka = The" and "Mehameha = quiet person." The famous move "Kamehameha" from the anime Dragon Ball is said to be derived from the name of the first king of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Kamehameha.

Les Misérables

Les Misérables is the story of a man named Jean Valjean who lived in France long ago. It portrays how he helps people in need and turns his life around, showing the importance of compassion. This classic teaches the value of courage and kindness. It’s a work that depicts people joining forces and living together.

Sei Shōnagon

“Sei Shōnagon” is a person’s name, and it can be divided into “Sei” and “Shōnagon.” “Sei” indicates her family or clan name, while “Shōnagon” is an official court title. She wrote a book called The Pillow Book during the Heian period. In it, she described the beautiful scenes and delightful events she witnessed at court with candid feeling, and it is still cherished by readers today.