Translation and Meaning of: 引き出し - hikidashi

The word 「引き出し」 (hikidashi) is composed of two kanji: 「引」 meaning to pull, and 「出」 meaning to exit or appear. Together, the ideograms convey the idea of something being pulled out. When we think of 「引き出し」 in the context of furniture, we are referring to something very common: drawers. The linguistic structure of this word aligns well with the practical function of a drawer, which is stored inside a piece of furniture and pulled out when needed.

In a metaphorical context, 「引き出し」 can also be used to describe the action of drawing something out from someone, such as hidden information or talent. In a broader discussion, the expression delves into human psychology by capturing the essence of revealing something that is not immediately visible. This duality of uses shows the flexibility of the Japanese language in expressing both concrete and abstract concepts.

Historically, the concept of drawers is related to the evolution of furniture in Japan, adapting to local lifestyles and the need for storage in compact spaces. The term 「引き出し」 became popular especially during the Edo period, when there were furniture pieces like tansu and kagu that featured ingenious and elaborate storage systems. These structures not only served as places to store belongings but were also artistically designed, reflecting the aesthetics and craftsmanship of the time.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 戸棚 (todana) - Cabinet
• ドロワー (dorowā) - drawer
• 収納箱 (shūnōbako) - Storage box
• 引き出物 (hikidumono) - Gifts given to wedding guests, usually in the form of souvenirs.
• 引き出し箱 (hikidashibako) - Drawer box

引き出し

Romaji: hikidashi
Kana: ひきだし
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: drawer; drawing

Meaning in English: drawer;drawing out

Definition: Drawer: A part of the furniture in the form of a box that can be placed and removed.

Example Sentences - (引き出し) hikidashi

See below some example sentences:

引き出しには大切な思い出がたくさん詰まっている。

Hikidashi ni wa taisetsu na omoide ga takusan tsumatte iru

In the drawer there are many important memories stored.

The drawer is full of many important memories.

• 引き出し (hikidashi) - drawer
• に (ni) - particle indicating where something is
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 大切な (taisetsuna) - important, valuable
• 思い出 (omoide) - memory
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん (takusan) - many
• 詰まっている (tsumatteiru) - to be full, to be replete