Japanese word

れんが

Pronunciation

Romajirenga

Meaning

  • nounbrick

Example

この壁はれんがでできています。ko no kabe wa re n ga de de ki te i ma su

This wall is made of brick.

Illustration for れんが (brick)

More examples

庭の小道にれんがを敷きました。niwa no ko michi ni re n ga o shi ki ma shi ta

I laid bricks along the garden path.

Core concept

Describes a durable construction piece formed from clay or another earthy material and hardened by firing.

Common phrases

  • れんがを積むre n ga o tsu mu

    stack bricks

  • れんがの壁re n ga no kabe

    a brick wall

  • れんがを敷くre n ga o shi ku

    lay bricks

Definition in Japanese

土などを練って四角く成形し、焼成して作る建築用の材料。tsuchi na do o ne tte shi kaku ku sei kei shi shō sei shi te tsuku ru ken chiku yō no zai ryō

Word origin

The origin of れんが (renga, "brick") is uncertain; the spelling 煉瓦 (renga, "brick") uses 煉 (ren, "refine by heat") and 瓦 (ga, "tile") to suggest its sound and material.

Usage tips

  • The English compound brick-and-mortar names a traditional physical business in contrast with an online business, giving brick a common figurative use beyond construction.

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