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Kotomora

粧

cosmetics, adorn (one's person)

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes12

Readings

On'yomi

  • ショウ

Kun'yomi

—

Nanori

  • さ

Meaning

粧 centers on enhancing appearance through external application: cosmetics and personal adornment.

Most common words using 粧

20 of 48
  • 化粧けしょう
    N3

    make-up; makeup; cosmetics

  • 化粧直しけしょうなおし

    adjusting one's makeup

  • 厚化粧あつげしょう

    thick makeup; heavy makeup

  • 薄化粧うすげしょう

    light makeup

  • 雪化粧ゆきげしょう

    coating of snow; blanket of snow

  • 化粧水けしょうすい

    skin lotion; face lotion

  • 化粧品けしょうひん
    N3

    cosmetics; beauty products; toiletries; makeup

  • メーキャップ化粧品メーキャップけしょうひん

    makeup products; cosmetics

  • 化粧ポーチけしょうポーチ

    makeup bag; cosmetic bag; makeup case; vanity bag

  • 化粧下けしょうした

    make-up base

  • 化粧下地けしょうしたじ

    makeup base; liquid foundation; primer

  • 化粧代けしょうだい

    lady's pin money; cosmetics expense

  • 化粧台けしょうだい

    dressing table; dresser

  • 化粧品専門店けしょうひんせんもんてん

    cosmetics store

  • 化粧品店けしょうひんてん

    cosmetics store

  • 化粧回しけしょうまわし

    ornamental apron

  • 化粧室けしょうしつ

    toilet; lavatory; powder room

  • 化粧張りけしょうばり

    veneer

  • 化粧料けしょうりょう

    lady's pin money (pocket money); payment to a cosmetician

  • 化粧断ちけしょうだち

    trimming (of paper); trim

Explore all words using 粧 →

Study

Etymology

粧 combines 米 (rice, here suggesting powder) with 庄, which likely contributes the sound. The character expresses the idea of applying powder or cosmetics to adorn oneself.

Meaning mnemonic

Rice 米 is ground into a fine powder, and the right side 庄 looks like a person applying it. Picture someone using rice powder as makeup to adorn themselves.

Reading mnemonic

For ショウ, imagine a show where performers use rice powder cosmetics to adorn themselves before going on stage: show -> ショウ.