Japanese word

しわ

Pronunciation

Romajishiwa

Meaning

  • nounwrinkle

Example

額にしわがあります。gaku ni shi wa ga a ri ma su

There is a wrinkle on my forehead.

Illustration for しわ (wrinkle)

More examples

紙のしわを丁寧に伸ばしてから、ノートに貼ります。kami no shi wa o tei nei ni no ba shi te ka ra nō to ni ha ri ma su

I carefully smooth out the wrinkles in the paper before attaching it to my notebook.

Core concept

Describes a narrow line or fold that appears on a surface when it is no longer smooth.

Common phrases

  • しわを伸ばすshi wa o no ba su

    smooth out wrinkles

  • しわが残るshi wa ga noko ru

    wrinkles remain

Similar words

折り目orime: A sharp line or fold formed in fabric, paper, or another material by bending it.
ひだhida: A soft fold in cloth or skin that forms a raised or lowered strip on the surface.

Definition in Japanese

皮膚や布などの表面にできる細い折れ目。hi fu ya nuno na do no hyō men ni de ki ru hoso i o re me

Word origin

The native Japanese noun しわ (shiwa) is an inherited Japanese word, but its older origin is not securely established.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often use wrinkle for lines in skin and crease for a sharper fold in fabric or paper, while しわ (shiwa) can cover both.

Other meanings

  • creasenoun

Word lists with this word