縄

• Reading: なわ
• Romaji: nawa
• Kanji breakdown: 縄 (jou/nawa) — rope, cord
• Pronunciation: /na.ɰa/

Meaning

Rope; a thick cord made by twisting fibres together.

A noun referring to rope or cord, typically made from straw or hemp. Culturally significant in Japan: しめ縄 (shimenawa) marks sacred spaces at Shinto shrines, and 縄跳び (nawatobi) means skipping rope. Also appears in 沖縄 (Okinawa, literally 'offshore rope'). Historically essential for agriculture, construction, and ceremonies.

Examples

1. 子供たちが公園で縄跳びをしている。 The children are jumping rope in the park.
2. 神社の入り口にしめ縄が飾ってあった。 A shimenawa rope was hanging at the entrance of the shrine.
3. 荷物を縄でしっかり縛った。 I tied the luggage tightly with rope.

Usage Guide

Context: play, religion, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 縄 combines 糸 (thread) and 蠅 (a phonetic element), indicating something woven or twisted from fibres. Related to the Jomon period (縄文時代), named for its rope-patterned pottery.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal