Translation guide
The English word 'valley' refers to a low area between hills or mountains, often with a river. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 谷 (たに), but there are several other words depending on size, shape, and context. This guide helps you choose the right term.
To refer to a valley in a general geographic sense, such as a low area between mountains or hills, often with a river or stream.
The most common and general word for 'valley'. It can be used for valleys of various sizes, from small mountain valleys to larger ones.
その村は深い谷にある。
The village is in a deep valley.
谷を下ると川があった。
Going down the valley, there was a river.
Refers to a valley with steep sides, often a gorge or ravine, typically with a river. It has a more scenic or dramatic nuance.
その渓谷は紅葉で有名だ。
The valley is famous for its autumn leaves.
Literally 'valley space', often used for a narrow valley or a hollow between mountains. Can also be used metaphorically for a gap or cleavage.
谷間の小さな集落。
A small settlement in a valley.
Means 'valley bottom' or 'valley floor'. Used when specifically referring to the bottom part of a valley.
谷底には川が流れている。
A river flows at the bottom of the valley.
To describe a wide, flat valley, often between mountain ranges, sometimes called a basin or plain.
Refers to a basin or a broad valley surrounded by mountains. It is a geographical term for a large, relatively flat area.
京都は盆地にある。
Kyoto is in a basin.
Means 'plain' or 'flatland'. While not exactly 'valley', it can be used for wide, flat areas that may be part of a valley system.
To use 'valley' in the name of a location, such as 'Silicon Valley' or 'Yosemite Valley'.
In Japanese place names, 'valley' is often expressed by attaching 谷 (たに or だに depending on the preceding sound) to the name. For foreign place names, it is often left as バレー (baree) or translated.
For well-known foreign valleys, the katakana word バレー (baree) is commonly used, especially in proper nouns.
デスバレーは砂漠にある。
Death Valley is in the desert.
To use 'valley' in a figurative sense, such as a low point in life or a dip in a graph.
The word 谷 can be used metaphorically for a low point, trough, or depression, similar to English.
人生には山もあれば谷もある。
In life, there are peaks and valleys.
景気の谷
economic trough
Can be used figuratively for a gap or interval, such as a lull or a space between things.
世代の谷間
generation gap
谷 (たに) is the general term for any valley. 渓谷 (けいこく) implies a steep-sided, often scenic valley with a stream, like a gorge. 盆地 (ぼんち) is a geographical term for a basin, a wide valley surrounded by mountains. Use 谷 for everyday conversation, 渓谷 for dramatic landscapes, and 盆地 for geographical descriptions.
谷でキャンプをした。
We camped in a valley.
渓谷の景色は素晴らしい。
The gorge scenery is wonderful.
甲府盆地は山に囲まれている。
The Kofu Basin is surrounded by mountains.
While バレー is used for some foreign place names like シリコンバレー, it is not a general translation for 'valley'. Use 谷 or other appropriate terms for natural valleys.
美しい谷
a beautiful valley
谷は霧に覆われていた。
The valley was covered in mist.
彼らはアルプスの小さな谷に住んでいる。
They live in a small valley in the Alps.
その川は何千年もかけて深い谷を刻んだ。
The river carved a deep valley over millennia.
The Kanto Plain is a vast valley-like terrain.