Tell me more ×
Japanese Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for students, teachers, and linguists wanting to discuss the finer points of the Japanese language. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 4 down vote favorite

I think this what the women's soccer team is called, but I'm not clear on it.

share|improve this question

2 Answers

up vote 12 down vote accepted

It is short for 大和撫子 (yamatonadeshiko), which refers to the stereotypical attributes (particular kind of beauty and purity, etc.) that are traditionally considered to be observed among ideal Japanese women. It also refers to Japanese women with such attributes. The male counterpart is 日本男児 (nippondanji). This meaning was derived from the plant name ナデシコ as Dave points out. The ヤマト (yamato) [old name of Japan] part was added in order to distinguish it from カラナデシコ.

share|improve this answer
3  
ナデシコ is also a flower: (fringed) pink (Dianthus) – Dave♦ Jul 18 '11 at 2:48
1  
@Dave That's right. – sawa Jul 18 '11 at 2:54
I would like to see some examples of 大和撫子 and 日本男児. Can you refer me to some anime or movies? – language hacker Jul 18 '11 at 4:28
Dave's comment should probably be merged into the answer, since the flower is featured (albeit abstractly) on the uniform: the "collar rectangle" on the men's uniform is red, but on the women's it's pink to match the color of the dianthus. – Derek Schaab Jul 18 '11 at 12:25
It would probably be worth pointing out that 大和 is an old word for Japan (kinda like 'Britain' is for the United Kingdom). – Ali Jul 22 '11 at 21:35
up vote 3 down vote

It's a nickname for the Japan women's World Cup team: http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%B5%E3%83%83%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E5%A5%B3%E5%AD%90%E4%BB%A3%E8%A1%A8

share|improve this answer
1  
Strictly speaking, “Nadeshiko Japan” refers to the national soccer team of Japan, not necessarily in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Naturally they also compete in the Olympic Games and other international competitions. – Tsuyoshi Ito Jul 18 '11 at 15:01
There's also the Nadeshiko League, which, from what I heard on the radio today, is back in action this coming Saturday (so not much rest for the newly crowned world champions). – Derek Schaab Jul 18 '11 at 17:33

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.