Japanese word

鞠

Pronunciation

Romajimari

Meaning

  • nounball

Example

子どもたちは鞠をついて遊びます。ko do mo ta chi wa mari o tsu i te aso bi ma su

Children play by bouncing a ball.

Illustration for 鞠 (ball)

More examples

庭で鞠をついて遊びます。niwa de mari o tsu i te aso bi ma su

I play by bouncing a ball in the yard.

Core concept

It presents a compact round object whose role is to be tossed, caught, kicked, or bounced.

Common phrases

  • 鞠をつくmari o tsu ku

    bounce a ball

Similar words

ボールbōru: A ball used in modern sports, games, or casual play.
球tama: A spherical object, including one used for playing games.
玉tama: A rounded object that may serve as a ball, bead, or marble.

Definition in Japanese

投げる、受ける、弾ませるなどして遊ぶ丸い道具。na ge ru u ke ru hazu ma se ru na do shi te aso bu maru i dō gu

Word origin

The word is the native Japanese noun まり (mari, "ball"), and 鞠 (mari) is a meaning-based kanji spelling linked to the character's established sense "ball"; its older derivation is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In 蹴鞠 (kemari), the character 鞠 (mari) names the ball used in a traditional court game where players keep it from touching the ground with their feet.

Word lists with this word