鏡

• Reading: かがみ
• Romaji: kagami
• Kanji breakdown: 鏡 (kyou/kagami) — mirror
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɡa.mi/

Meaning

A mirror. A reflective surface used to see one's appearance.

Refers to any mirror, from handheld to full-length. Mirrors hold deep significance in Japanese culture — the sacred mirror (八咫鏡, Yata no Kagami) is one of the three Imperial Regalia. 鏡餅 (kagami mochi) is a New Year decoration shaped like a mirror.

Examples

1. 出かける前に鏡を見ます。 I look in the mirror before going out.
2. この鏡は少し割れています。 This mirror is slightly cracked.
3. 洗面所に大きな鏡があります。 There's a big mirror in the bathroom.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, grooming, home

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. Some scholars suggest it derives from 影見 (kagemi, seeing reflections). The kanji 鏡 combines 金 (metal) and 竟 (complete/boundary), as ancient mirrors were polished metal.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal