Japanese word

枕

Pronunciation

Romajimakura

Meaning

  • nounpillow

Example

毎晩枕を使います。mai ban makura o tsuka i ma su

I use a pillow every night.

Illustration for 枕 (pillow)

More examples

旅行には、いつも使っている枕を持っていきます。ryo kō ni wa i tsu mo tsuka tte i ru makura o mo tte i ki ma su

I take the pillow I always use with me when I travel.

Core concept

It provides a raised, cushioned support for the head or neck while a person rests or sleeps.

Common phrases

  • 枕が合うmakura ga a u

    a pillow feels right

  • 枕を抱くmakura o ida ku

    hug a pillow

  • 枕に顔をうずめるmakura ni kao o u zu me ru

    bury one's face in a pillow

  • 枕を替えるmakura o ka e ru

    replace a pillow

Definition in Japanese

頭や首を支えるために寝具として用いる物。atama ya kubi o sasa e ru ta me ni shin gu to shi te mochi i ru mono

Word origin

枕 (makura, "pillow") is an old native Japanese word, and no certain explanation of its deeper origin is established.

Usage tips

  • In classical Japanese poetry, 枕詞 (makurakotoba, "pillow word") is a set expression that regularly accompanies a particular word or phrase.

Other meanings

  • bolsternoun

Word lists with this word