Japanese word

うちわ

Pronunciation

Romajiuchiwa

Meaning

  • nounhand fan

Example

夏祭りでうちわをもらいました。natsu matsu ri de u chi wa o mo ra i ma shi ta

I got a hand fan at the summer festival.

Illustration for うちわ (hand fan)

More examples

店先でうちわを無料で配っています。mise saki de u chi wa o mu ryō de kuba tte i ma su

They are handing out free hand fans in front of the shop.

Core concept

A flat, rigid surface catches air and pushes it toward someone, creating a simple cooling breeze.

Common phrases

  • うちわであおぐu chi wa de a o gu

    fan oneself with a hand fan

  • うちわを配るu chi wa o kuba ru

    hand out hand fans

  • うちわを持つu chi wa o mo tsu

    hold a hand fan

Similar words

扇子sensu: A handheld fan that folds closed for carrying and opens into a broad, movable surface.

Definition in Japanese

柄の付いた平たい面を手で動かし、風を起こして涼を取る道具。gara no tsu i ta hira ta i men o te de ugo ka shi kaze o o ko shi te ryō o to ru dō gu

Word origin

うちわ (uchiwa) is a native Japanese word traditionally written 団扇 (uchiwa); its exact origin is uncertain, though it may relate to 打ち羽 (uchiba), meaning a wing used for striking or driving away.

Usage tips

  • In English, uchiwa usually means a rigid, nonfolding Japanese fan, while hand fan is a broader term that can also include folding fans.

Word lists with this word