Japanese word

殻

Pronunciation

Romajikara

Meaning

  • nounshell

Example

卵の殻を捨てます。tamago no kara o su te ma su

I throw away the eggshell.

Illustration for 殻 (shell)

More examples

卵を割るときは、殻が入らないようにします。tamago o wa ru to ki wa kara ga hai ra na i yō ni shi ma su

When I crack an egg, I make sure no shell gets in.

Core concept

Describes the outer covering that encloses and protects what is inside.

Common phrases

  • 卵の殻tamago no kara

    eggshell

  • 殻を割るkara o ware ru

    crack a shell

Similar words

皮kawa: A soft outer layer that covers a fruit, plant, or animal.
貝殻kaigara: The hard outer covering of a mollusk, such as a clam or snail.
甲羅kōra: A hard protective covering on the back of a turtle, tortoise, or crab.

Definition in Japanese

卵や木の実などの中身を包み守る硬い外皮。tamago ya ko no mi na do no naka mi o tsutsu mi mamo ru kata i gai hi

Word origin

殻 (kara) is a native Japanese noun meaning "an outer covering"; its exact historical origin is not securely established.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 殻 (kara) commonly covers eggshells and nut shells, while the soft skin of fruit is usually 皮 (kawa).

Other meanings

  • husknoun
  • podnoun

Word lists with this word