袖

• Reading: そで
• Romaji: sode
• Kanji breakdown: 袖 (sode) — sleeve
• Pronunciation: /so.de/

Meaning

Sleeve. The part of a garment that covers or partially covers the arm.

A noun referring to the sleeve of any garment. Important in Japanese culture due to the significance of kimono sleeves. Appears in idioms like 袖にする (sode ni suru, to reject someone) and 袖を通す (sode wo toosu, to put on a garment for the first time). Also used in compound words like 半袖 (hansode, short sleeve) and 長袖 (nagasode, long sleeve).

Examples

1. 暑いから半袖のシャツを着よう。 It's hot, so let's wear a short-sleeved shirt.
2. コートの袖にコーヒーをこぼしてしまった。 I spilled coffee on the sleeve of my coat.
3. 長袖と半袖のどちらがいいですか。 Would you prefer long sleeves or short sleeves?

Usage Guide

Context: clothing, fashion, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 袖 combines 衤 (clothing radical) and 由 (from/reason). The clothing radical identifies it as garment-related, while 由 serves as a phonetic component.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal