引き出し

• Reading: ひきだし
• Romaji: hikidashi
• Kanji breakdown: 引 (in/hi) — pull, draw; 出 (shutsu/da) — go out, exit
• Pronunciation: /çi.ki.da.ɕi/

Meaning

A drawer; a sliding compartment in a desk, dresser, or cabinet.

Derived from the verb 引き出す (hikidasu, to pull out). The word literally describes something you pull out. Found in desks, dressers, kitchen cabinets, and other furniture. Can also metaphorically mean a person's repertoire or stock of knowledge, as in 引き出しが多い (having many 'drawers' of skills).

Examples

1. 引き出しの中に鍵を入れました。 I put the key in the drawer.
2. この机には引き出しが三つあります。 This desk has three drawers.
3. 引き出しを開けたら、古い写真が出てきた。 When I opened the drawer, an old photo came out.

Usage Guide

Context: furniture, home, organization

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the verb 引き出す (hikidasu, to pull/draw out). The noun form describes the object that slides out when pulled.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal