Translation and Meaning of: 灰皿 - haisara

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 灰皿 (はいさら - haisara). But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and everyday use of this word, as well as interesting facts about how it is perceived in Japan. If you want to truly learn Japanese, understanding terms like this is essential.

The meaning and translation of 灰皿 is "ashtray."

The word 灰皿 (はいさら) is formed by two kanjis: 灰 (hai), which means "ash," and 皿 (sara), which means "plate" or "dish." Together, they form the term that designates a very common object in Japan: the ashtray. Yes, 灰皿 is the Japanese word for "ashtray," used to deposit cigarette ashes.

Although it's a simple term, its kanji composition is quite logical. The plate (皿) that holds the ashes (灰) – a combination that makes it easier to remember for those learning Japanese. If you've ever seen an ashtray in a restaurant or in scenes from anime, now you know how the Japanese refer to it.

The cultural and everyday use of 灰皿

In Japan, the 灰皿 is a item found in many public places, especially in areas designated for smokers. Despite the decline in the number of smokers in the country, you will still find ashtrays in bars, restaurants, and even on some streets. They can be made of ceramic, metal, or even disposable, depending on the location.

It is worth noting that, culturally, Japan has strict rules about where to smoke. Throwing ashes or cigarette butts away from an 灰皿 is considered rude and can result in fines. Therefore, if you visit the country, pay attention to the places where smoking is allowed and always use the available ashtrays.

Tips for memorizing 灰皿 and curiosities

An effective way to remember this word is to associate the kanjis with their literal meanings. As mentioned before, 灰 (hai – gray) + 皿 (sara – plate) form the "plate of ash." If you already know other words with 皿, such as お皿 (osara – plate), it's even easier to make this connection.

An interesting curiosity is that, in some Japanese establishments, you can find 灰皿 with creative designs, reflecting the attention to detail typical of Japanese culture. In cities like Tokyo, there are even public ashtrays with educational messages about the harms of smoking, showing how the country balances tradition and public health.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 灰受け (Haiuke) - Ashtray, commonly used to collect the ashes from a cigarette.
• 灰入れ (Haiire) - A type of container or box for placing ashes, similar to 灰受け.
• 煙草入れ (Tabakoire) - Box or pocket to store cigarettes.
• 煙草皿 (Tabakosara) - Tray or dish for holding cigarettes or ashes, usually larger than an ashtray.
• タバコ皿 (Tabakosara) - Tray or ashtray for cigarettes; this term is a variation in katakana and has the same meaning as 煙草皿.
• タバコ入れ (Tabakoire) - The term in katakana for a box or pocket to store cigarettes, similar to 煙草入れ, is タバコケース.

灰皿

Romaji: haisara
Kana: はいさら
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: Ashtray

Meaning in English: ashtray

Definition: A container to store cigarette butts and ashes.