Translation and Meaning of: 鏡 - kagami

If you are studying Japanese or are simply curious about the language, you may have come across the word 鏡[かがみ]. It is more common than it seems and carries deep meanings in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday usage, and even some interesting facts that will help you it. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to truly learn Japanese.

Meaning and translation of 鏡[かがみ]

The word 鏡[かがみ] means "mirror." It is a term that appears frequently in everyday life, whether in literal contexts, such as personal use objects, or in symbolic expressions. In modern Japanese, it is written with the kanji 鏡, which by itself evokes the idea of reflection, both physical and metaphorical.

In addition to its basic meaning, 鏡 can also appear in compound words, such as 鏡餅[かがみもち] (a type of traditional New Year's decoration) or 鏡開き[かがみびらき] (the rice cake cutting ceremony). These uses demonstrate how the term is rooted not only in the language but also in Japanese rituals and customs.

Origin and writing of the kanji 鏡

The kanji 鏡 is composed of the radical 金[かね] (which refers to metals) and the component 竟[きょう], which suggests the idea of "finalizing" or "reflecting." This combination makes sense, as the first mirrors were made of polished bronze, a metallic material. The etymology reinforces the historical connection between the object and its production.

It's worth noting that 鏡 is not one of the simpler kanji, but its structure can be an advantage for memorization. Observing the radicals helps understand its construction and associate it with the correct meaning. If you're learning Japanese, paying attention to these details can enhance your vocabulary.

Cultural Uses and Curiosities about 鏡

In Japan, mirrors go beyond practical function. They play an important role in Shintoism, where they are considered sacred objects that reflect the truth. A famous example is the 八咫鏡[やたのかがみ], one of the three imperial treasures of Japan, kept at the Ise Shrine. This reverence shows how the word carries a unique symbolic weight.

Another curiosity is that, in traditional tales, mirrors often appear as portals to other worlds or as symbols of self-knowledge. If you've watched animes like "InuYasha" or "Your Name", you've seen references to this kind of representation. Japanese pop culture loves to explore these deep meanings.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 鏡板 (Kyōban) - Mirror plate
• 鏡面 (Kyōmen) - Reflective surface, mirror surface
• 鏡子 (Kyōko) - mirror
• 鏡像 (Kyōzō) - Reflected image
• 鏡映 (Kyōei) - Reflection, the act of reflecting
• 鏡面反射 (Kyōmen hansha) - Reflection on a specular surface
• 鏡面凹凸 (Kyōmen ōtotsu) - Imperfections on the surface of the mirror
• 鏡面反射率 (Kyōmen hansha-ritsu) - Reflection rate on a specular surface
• 鏡面反射角 (Kyōmen hansha-kaku) - Angle of reflection on specular surface
• 鏡面反射光 (Kyōmen hansha-kō) - Light reflected on a specular surface
• 鏡面反射率曲線 (Kyōmen hansha-ritsu kyokusen) - Reflection rate curve in specular surface
• 鏡面反射率分布 (Kyōmen hansha-ritsu bunpu) - Distribution of the reflection rate on a specular surface
• 鏡面反射率測定装置 (Kyōmen hansha-ritsu sokutei sōchi) - Device for measuring the reflection rate on a specular surface
• 鏡面反射率測定法 (Kyōmen hansha-ritsu sokutei-hō) - Method for measuring the reflection rate on specular surface
• 鏡面反射率曲線測定法 (Kyōmen hansha-ritsu kyokusen sokutei-hō) - Measurement method of the reflection rate curve on a specular surface
• 鏡面反射率分布測定法 (Kyōmen hansha-ritsu bunpu sokutei-hō) - Method for measuring the distribution of the reflection rate on a specular surface
• 鏡面反射率分布測定装置 (Kyōmen hansha-ritsu bunpu sokutei sōchi) - Device for measuring the distribution of the reflection rate on a specular surface.