はさみ

• Reading: はさみ
• Romaji: hasami
• Kanji breakdown: 鋏 (hasami) — scissors (kanji rarely used; 金 radical indicates metal)
• Pronunciation: /ha.sa.mi/

Meaning

Scissors; shears; clippers. A cutting tool with two blades.

While the kanji 鋏 exists, this word is almost always written in hiragana in everyday use. The verb form はさむ (hasamu, to pinch/clip) shares the same root. Scissors are a common household and school supply item in Japan.

Examples

1. はさみで紙を切りました。 I cut the paper with scissors.
2. はさみはどこにありますか。 Where are the scissors?
3. 子供にはさみを使わせないでください。 Don't let children use scissors.

Usage Guide

Context: home, school, office

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Related to the verb はさむ (hasamu, to pinch/clip between). The kanji 鋏 contains the 金 (metal) radical, reflecting the material of the blades.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal