隈
corner, nook, recess
Readings
On'yomi
- ワイ
- エ
Kun'yomi
- くま
- すみ
Meaning
隈 centers on a tucked-away space: a corner, nook, or recess where something can be hidden or sheltered.
Most common words using 隈
- 界隈かいわい
neighborhood; neighbourhood; vicinity
- 隈くま
corner; nook; recess
- 隈取りくまどり
shading; (colour) gradation
- 隈なくくまなくN1
all over; everywhere; in every nook and cranny
- 藍隈あいぐま
indigo blue make-up used in kabuki
- 阿武隈石あぶくませき
abukumalite; britholite-(Y)
- 隈々くまぐま
every corner; every nook and cranny; all the ins and outs
- 隈取るくまどる
to shade; to graduate; to tint
- 風呂キャンセル界隈ふろキャンセルかいわい
people who are too lazy to bathe or shower
Study
Etymology
隈 combines the hill radical ⻖ with 畏, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of something bent or hidden, suggesting a recess in the landscape.
Meaning mnemonic
The hill radical ⻖ suggests a slope or mound, and 畏 looks like something bent or tucked away. Picture a hidden nook in the hillside where the land curves inward to form a quiet corner.
Reading mnemonic
For ワイ, imagine a winding path leading to a hidden corner where you ask 'Why?' — the sound 'why' cues ワイ, and the secluded nook makes you wonder why it's there.