Translation and Meaning of: 毛 - ke

The Japanese word 毛[け] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries meanings and uses that go beyond the obvious. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about this expression, understanding its context and applications can be quite useful. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and how this word is used in everyday Japanese, as well as tips for memorizing it easily.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 毛[け] is defined as "hair" or "fur," but its presence in the Japanese language goes far beyond that. It appears in common expressions, names of objects, and even in specific cultural contexts. Let's unravel these details so you can use the word with confidence and naturalness.

Meaning and use of 毛[け]

毛[け] is a word that mainly refers to hair, fur, or even fine fibers, depending on the context. It can be used for both humans and animals, such as in 猫の毛[ねこのけ] (cat fur) or 髪の毛[かみのけ] (human hair). This versatility makes it appear frequently in everyday vocabulary.

Additionally, 毛 is also used in like 毛糸[けいと] (wool yarn) and 毛布[もうふ] (wool blanket), showing how it extends to everyday objects. Its use is not limited to the literal sense but also appears in idiomatic expressions and comparisons, such as 毛ほどもない (not having even a little of something).

Origin and writing of the kanji 毛

The kanji 毛 has an interesting history. It visually represents strands of hair or fur, and its ancient form dates back to drawings that mimicked this texture. Its Chinese origin influenced its adoption in Japan, where it retains the same basic meaning but has undergone adaptations in pronunciation and usage over the centuries.

It is worth noting that 毛 is one of the oldest kanji still in use, appearing in classical texts and historical documents. Its graphic simplicity makes it easy to recognize, but it is important to pay attention to the context to avoid confusion with other that may look similar.

Tips for memorizing 毛[け]

An effective way to this word is to associate it with concrete images. Think of a furry animal or a brush with soft bristles – this visual connection helps to fix the meaning. Another strategy is to practice with everyday sentences, such as 毛が長い[けがながい] (the fur is long), to reinforce learning.

Additionally, it is worth noting that 毛 is often used in combination with other kanjis, forming compound . By learning words like 眉毛[まゆげ] (eyebrow) or 毛細血管[もうさいけっかん] (capillary), you naturally reinforce the original meaning of 毛 and expand your vocabulary in an organic way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 毛髪 (Mohatsu) - human hair
• 毛鬚 (Mōsuke) - beard (facial hair)
• 毛皮 (Mōka) - animal skin (fur)
• 毛細血管 (Mōsaiketsukan) - capillaries (thin blood vessels)
• 毛布 (Mōfu) - blanket (fur artifact)
• 毛糸 (Mōito) - wool yarn (used for knitting)
• 毛玉 (Mōdama) - lint ball (formed in fabrics)
• 毛羽立つ (Mōbatatsu) - loose threads (on a surface or fabric)
• 毛深い (Mōbukai) - hairy (with a lot of fur)
• 毛並み (Mōnami) - hair quality (hair texture)
• 毛染め (Mōzame) - fur coloring (e.g., hair, animal fur)
• 毛刈り (Mōgari) - shearing (haircut, like sheep)
• 毛抜き (Mōnuki) - tweezers (for removing hair)
• 毛布団 (Mōfuton) - duvet (quilted blanket)