Japanese word

ハンカチ

Pronunciation

Romajihankachi

Meaning

  • nounhandkerchief

Example

白いハンカチを持っています。shiro i ha n ka chi o mo tte i ma su

I have a white handkerchief.

Illustration for ハンカチ (handkerchief)

More examples

食事の前に、ハンカチで手を拭きます。shoku ji no mae ni ha n ka chi de te o fu ki ma su

Before eating, I wipe my hands with a handkerchief.

Core concept

Refers to a small cloth carried for wiping the nose, face, or hands.

Common phrases

  • ハンカチを使うha n ka chi o tsuka u

    use a handkerchief

  • ハンカチを持つha n ka chi o mo tsu

    carry a handkerchief

  • ハンカチで汗を拭くha n ka chi de ase o fu ku

    wipe sweat with a handkerchief

Similar words

ティッシュtisshu: A small disposable paper item used to wipe the nose, face, or hands.
タオルtaoru: A soft, absorbent cloth used mainly to dry wet skin or objects.

Definition in Japanese

鼻や手などを拭くために携帯する小さな布。hana ya te na do o fu ku ta me ni kei tai su ru chii sa na nuno

Word origin

ハンカチ (hankachi) is a shortened Japanese borrowing of English handkerchief, which combines hand with kerchief, a word for a cloth covering.

Usage tips

  • In English, handkerchief can sound somewhat old-fashioned in everyday speech, while tissue is more common for a disposable item.

Word lists with this word