Translation and Meaning of: 櫛 - kushi

If you're learning Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 櫛[くし]. It may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses in everyday Japanese life. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is written, and even some curiosities about its cultural use. If you want to better understand Japanese vocabulary or just discover something new, keep reading!

The meaning and writing of 櫛[くし]

The word 櫛[くし] means "comb". It is a common object in daily life, used for combing hair, but in Japan, it also has a deeper cultural significance. The kanji 櫛 is made up of elements that refer to wood (木) and a carved object, reflecting its ancient origin as a handcrafted utensil.

In addition to kanji, the reading in hiragana くし (kushi) is essential for those studying Japanese. It is important to note that, although it is a simple word, its pronunciation can be confused with similar , such as 串 (kushi), which means "skewer." Therefore, paying attention to the kanji is crucial to avoid errors.

The origin and cultural use of the comb in Japan

The first combs in Japan were made of wood or bone and date back to the Jōmon period (around 14,000 BCE – 300 BCE). They were not only used for grooming hair but also had ceremonial functions and were used as amulets. Some ancient combs were even buried with the dead as part of rituals.

Nowadays, combs still hold a special place in Japanese culture. They appear in festivals, folklore, and even in superstitions. For example, there is a belief that breaking a comb brings bad luck, as it is seen as an object that "holds" the energy of the person who uses it. This relationship between the everyday and the spiritual shows how a seemingly simple word can have layers of meaning.

How to memorize and use 櫛 [くし] in daily life

If you want to easily this word, a tip is to associate the kanji 櫛 with its shape: the radical 木 (wood) appears on the left side, indicating that many traditional combs were made from this material. Meanwhile, the right side of the kanji suggests a carved object, which helps distinguish it from other similar characters.

When using くし in sentences, it is common to find it in expressions like 櫛でとかす (kushi de tokasu, "to comb with a comb"). If you are learning Japanese, it is worth practicing with real examples, such as writing the word on flashcards or using it in simple conversations. This way, it becomes easier to retain not only the meaning but also the context in which it appears.