襖

• Reading: ふすま
• Romaji: fusuma
• Kanji breakdown: 襖 (fusuma) — fusuma sliding door (kokuji: 衣 covering + 奥 inner space)
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.sɯ.ma/

Meaning

Fusuma; a sliding opaque panel or interior door used in traditional Japanese architecture to divide rooms.

Fusuma are constructed with a wooden frame covered in thick paper or fabric, distinguishing them from shoji screens which let in light. They serve both as room dividers and as surfaces for decorative painting or calligraphy. In classical literature and traditional settings, opening or closing a fusuma carries dramatic and emotional significance.

Examples

1. 客間の襖を静かに開けると、手入れされた庭の景色が広がった。 When he quietly slid open the fusuma of the guest room, a view of the well-tended garden spread before him.
2. 古い家の襖には繊細な山水画が描かれており、職人の腕前が偲ばれた。 The old house's fusuma panels were painted with delicate landscape scenes, a testament to the artisan's skill.
3. 隣の部屋から話し声が漏れてきたので、そっと襖を閉めた。 Voices were leaking through from the next room, so she gently closed the fusuma.

Usage Guide

Context: traditional architecture, literature, classical settings, interior design

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 襖 is a Japanese-coined character (国字, kokuji) combining 衣 (garment/covering) with 奥 (inner depth), evoking the idea of a fabric-covered interior panel. The word fusuma itself is of ancient Japanese origin.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General