指輪

• Reading: ゆびわ
• Romaji: yubiwa
• Kanji breakdown: 指 (shi/yubi) — finger, point; 輪 (rin/wa) — ring, circle
• Pronunciation: /jɯ.bi.wa/

Meaning

A ring worn on the finger. Jewellery or an accessory placed on a finger.

Composed of 指 (yubi, finger) and 輪 (wa, ring/circle). Covers all types of finger rings including wedding rings (結婚指輪), engagement rings (婚約指輪), and fashion rings. In Japan, exchanging wedding rings became common after Western influence in the modern era.

Examples

1. 彼は彼女に指輪をプレゼントした。 He gave her a ring as a gift.
2. きれいな指輪をしていますね。 You're wearing a beautiful ring.
3. 結婚指輪は左手の薬指にはめます。 You wear a wedding ring on the ring finger of your left hand.

Usage Guide

Context: jewellery, weddings, fashion

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 指 (yubi, finger) and 輪 (wa, ring/circle). Literally 'finger ring,' a straightforward descriptive compound.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal