Japanese word

瓦

Pronunciation

Romajikawara

Meaning

  • nounroof tile

Example

古い瓦を取り替えます。furu i kawara o to ri ka e ma su

We replace the old roof tiles.

Illustration for 瓦 (roof tile)

More examples

強風で屋根の瓦が数枚ずれています。kyō fū de ya ne no kawara ga sū mai zu re te i ma su

Several roof tiles have shifted because of the strong wind.

Core concept

It denotes a hard, weather-resistant piece placed with others to cover and protect the top of a building.

Common phrases

  • 瓦を葺くkawara o fu ku

    lay roof tiles

  • 瓦屋根kawara ya ne

    tiled roof

Definition in Japanese

屋根を葺くために用いる、粘土を焼いた板状の建材。ya ne o fu ku ta me ni mochi i ru nen do o ya i ta ita jō no ken zai

Word origin

The Japanese noun 瓦 (kawara, "roof tile") is written with the Chinese-derived character 瓦 (ga, "tile"); the origin of the reading kawara is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In English, roof tile is the precise term because tile alone can also refer to pieces used on floors, walls, or other surfaces.

Word lists with this word