Pronunciation: [ɒɡˈɑːwə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Ogawa" can be easily explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "O" is pronounced as /oʊ/ which is a diphthong sound made by combining "o" and "u". The second syllable "ga" is pronounced as /ɡɑː/ with a hard "g" sound and a long "a" sound. Finally, the last syllable "wa" is pronounced as /wə/ with a soft "w" sound. Therefore, "Ogawa" is pronounced as /oʊɡɑːwə/.
Ogawa is a Japanese surname that originated from the words "o" meaning "big" or "large," and "kawa" meaning "river." The Ogawa surname is fairly common in Japan and is typically associated with individuals or families who lived near or along large rivers.
Apart from its use as a surname, "Ogawa" can also refer to various places in Japan. It is not uncommon to come across towns or regions named Ogawa, as many settlements in Japan are named after geographical features. Therefore, "Ogawa" can indicate a place located near a large or significant river.
Additionally, "Ogawa" can be a given name for both males and females. As a given name, it carries a sense of strength and grandeur, alluding to the mighty and powerful presence of a large river. However, it is essential to note that the use of "Ogawa" as a given name is less common compared to its use as a surname or place name in contemporary times.
Overall, "Ogawa" is a multifaceted term that can refer to a surname, a place name, or even a given name. Its etymological roots in the Japanese language suggest a connection to the concept of "big river" and bring to mind the imagery of strength, size, and significance.
The word "Ogawa" is of Japanese origin. It consists of two kanji characters: "O" (小) meaning "small" or "little", and "gawa" (川) meaning "river". When combined, "Ogawa" literally means "small river" or "little river" in Japanese. It is a relatively common surname and place name in Japan.
