Why do the names of some Japanese prefectures contain 『しま』when, clearly, they are not island prefectures?

Asked Oct 27 '19 at 14:59

Active Oct 27 '19 at 14:59

Viewed 92 times

For example, 広島　means "spacious/vast island," doesn't it? However, Hiroshima is not an island... And there are more examples like this: 福島、徳島、and 鹿児島.

I hope you can clear this up. Thank you!

asked Oct 27 '19 at 14:59

Enguroo

2,265
1
8
25

2

Is Rhode Island an island state? – Oct 27 '19 at 15:23
1

Highly related or duplicate of https://japanese.stackexchange.com/questions/23810/why-is-%e5%b3%b6-used-in-the-name-of-some-cities – Oct 27 '19 at 15:28
2

@l'électeur to be fair, Rhode Island's name is the result of people abbreviating the full name, rather than "island" having a different meaning – Leebo Oct 27 '19 at 17:25
@l'électeur as Leebo points out, the full name of the state is State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Are you suggesting the Japanese prefectures with 島 are named after an island included in their territory, or what's your point? – jarmanso7 Oct 28 '19 at 06:27

Why do the names of some Japanese prefectures contain 『しま』when, clearly, they are not island prefectures?

0 Answers0