屋根

• Reading: やね
• Romaji: yane
• Kanji breakdown: 屋 (ya) — house, roof; 根 (ne) — root, base
• Pronunciation: /ja.ne/

Meaning

Roof. The top covering of a building that protects from rain and sun.

A common noun used in daily life and housing contexts. Japanese traditional roofs (瓦屋根 = tile roof) are distinctive. The expression 屋根の下 (under the same roof) means living together. Also appears in weather contexts when describing things like snow piling on roofs.

Examples

1. 台風で屋根の一部が壊れてしまった。 Part of the roof was damaged by the typhoon.
2. 猫が屋根の上で寝ています。 A cat is sleeping on the roof.
3. 冬になると屋根に雪が積もります。 In winter, snow piles up on the roof.

Usage Guide

Context: housing, weather, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 屋 (house, roof) and 根 (root, base). Together they describe the fundamental covering of a house — its 'root' or foundation from above.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal