In Japanese, Sri Lanka is often represented as “錫蘭 (Shakuran)”, a notation derived from its former name Ceylon. This kanji form is most strongly associated with tea culture, but it also reflects Japan’s unique way of absorbing foreign words into kanji. Understanding this helps reveal both historical trade connections and the cultural imagination of Japan.
The Origin of the Term “錫蘭”
In 1972, Sri Lanka officially changed its name from “Ceylon” to “Sri Lanka.” However, in Japanese, the older form remained, and “錫蘭” became the representative kanji notation.
When translators introduced foreign names, they not only considered sound but also chose kanji with meaningful imagery. “錫” means metal, giving an exotic and dignified nuance, while “蘭” was a character associated with Southeast Asia. Together, they formed a natural and elegant translation that became established in Japanese.
| Kanji Notation | Reading | Origin | Examples of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 錫蘭 | Shakuran | Phonetic rendering of “Ceylon” with added imagery | Tea brands, imported goods |
| 獅子国 | Shishikoku | Derived from “Sinhala = Lion” | Buddhist texts, historical writings |
| スリランカ | Suriranka | Current official name | Politics, news, official documents |
The Link Between Tea and “錫蘭”
The context where the word “錫蘭” most frequently appears today is in tea product names and descriptions.
Sri Lankan tea is world-famous, and in Japan, it has long been regarded as a premium tea. Even after the country’s name changed, “Ceylon” remained a strong brand identity in the tea world, which is why the expression “錫蘭紅茶” is still commonly used.
| Name | Explanation | Current Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ceylon Tea | World-renowned Sri Lankan tea | Widely used in product names |
| 錫蘭紅茶 | Japanese expression adding elegance | Used in specialty shops, traditional brands |
| Sri Lanka Tea | Official modern label | Academic texts, export statistics |
Thus, in the world of tea, the old name has survived as a kind of cultural heritage.
“獅子国” as Another Expression
Another name for Sri Lanka is “獅子国 (Shishikoku)”, meaning “Lion Country.” This is derived from the word Sinhala, which comes from Sanskrit “Simha” (lion).
The lion depicted on the national flag of Sri Lanka symbolizes this heritage, and it represents the ethnic identity and national pride of the Sinhala people. As a result, Buddhist scriptures and ancient records often used “獅子国” to describe Sri Lanka.
| Expression | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 獅子国 | “Lion Country” | Buddhist texts, historical writings |
| Sinhala | “People of the Lion” | Ethnic name, cultural identity |
| Lion Flag | Symbol of the state | National flag of modern Sri Lanka |
Unlike “錫蘭,” which is phonetic, this expression is based on meaning, reflecting cultural and religious depth.
Key Points for Foreign Readers
When explaining the kanji notations of Sri Lanka to foreigners, it is helpful to present both the phonetic and the meaning-based perspectives.
- 錫蘭 is a phonetic rendering of the old name “Ceylon”
- Still used today in tea branding
- 獅子国 is derived from the lion symbol of the Sinhala people
- The official modern name is Sri Lanka and is used internationally
This approach allows foreigners to understand how Japanese language retains unique cultural expressions through kanji.
Conclusion
The reason Sri Lanka is written in kanji as “錫蘭” is that it derives from the old country name “Ceylon.” It is particularly rooted in tea culture, where it continues to hold value. Meanwhile, “獅子国” reflects the lion symbolism of the Sinhala people, showing the nation’s cultural and religious background.
While the official modern name is “Sri Lanka”, the terms “錫蘭” and “獅子国” remain important as linguistic relics of history and cultural exchange. For foreign readers, explaining the tea connection and the lion symbolism offers a deeper appreciation of how Japanese expresses foreign places.
