Translation and Meaning of: 皺 - shiwa

If you've ever wondered what the Japanese word 皺[しわ] means, this article will help you understand its meaning, origin, and usage in everyday Japan. We will explore everything from the writing of the kanji to cultural curiosities that make this word interesting for Japanese learners. Here at Suki Nihongo, we strive to provide clear and precise explanations for those who wish to learn the language in a practical way.

皺[しわ] is a common word in the Japanese vocabulary, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. It carries cultural nuances and appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal expressions. If you want to know how to memorize it or how to use it correctly, keep reading!

Meaning and writing of 皺[しわ]

The word 皺[しわ] means "wrinkles" or "crease." It is used to describe marks on skin, fabrics, or even paper. The kanji 皺 is composed of the radical 皮 (skin) combined with other strokes that suggest the idea of something wrinkled or folded. This visual association can aid in memorization, especially for those learning to write the characters.

In the Japanese language, しわ is a commonly used word, primarily in contexts related to beauty, health, or clothing care. For example, when ironing a shirt, a Japanese person might say they are removing the しわ to make it more presentable. This versatility of use makes it a useful term for those practicing the language.

Cultural and daily usage of 皺

In Japan, the concern with 皺 goes beyond aesthetics. Japanese culture values an immaculate appearance, both in clothing and skin. Therefore, anti-wrinkle products and techniques to prevent creases in fabrics are quite popular. This care reflects the importance of the word in daily vocabulary, especially in conversations about personal care or household tasks.

In animes and dramas, it is common to hear older characters joke about their しわ as a sign of life experience. This usage carries a positive connotation in certain contexts, showing how the word can have different nuances depending on the situation. For Japanese learners, noticing these details in series or films is a great way to solidify the meaning.

Tips for memorizing and using 皺 correctly

An effective way to remember the meaning of 皺 is to associate the kanji with its visual composition. The radical 皮 (skin) appears in other related words, such as 皮膚 (ひふ), which means "skin" in Japanese. This connection helps create a mental link between the character and its main meaning, making long-term memorization easier.

To practice the use of しわ, try creating simple sentences like "このシャツは皺だらけです" (This shirt is full of wrinkles) or "皺を伸ばしてください" (Please stretch the creases). These examples show the word in real contexts, which is essential for those who want to communicate naturally in Japanese. The more you use it, the easier it will be to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• しわ (shiwa) - Wrinkle (usually refers to skin wrinkles)
• シワ (shiwa) - Rug (used more in graphic or texture contexts)

皺

Romaji: shiwa
Kana: しわ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: wrinkles; link

Meaning in English: wrinkles;creases

Definition: Wrinkles that occur when tissues, papers, etc. are folded.

Example Sentences - (皺) shiwa

See below some example sentences:

このシャツには皺がある。

Kono shatsu ni wa shiwa ga aru

This shirt has wrinkles.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• シャツ - noun "shirt"
• には - particle that indicates "in" or "to"
• 皺 - noun "wrinkle"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb "to exist"