かけら

か

け

ら

Common wordJLPTN1Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

1

noun

usually written using kana alone

Refers to a small broken-off piece of a physical object, such as glass, pottery, or wood.

彼かれは皿さらのかけらを拾ひろい集あつめた。

He picked up the pieces of the broken plate.

2

noun

usually written using kana alone

Used figuratively for a tiny amount of an abstract quality, often in expressions like 一片のかけらもない (not even a shred).

かけらUsage78%
Usually written in kana; the kanji form 欠片 is also common but It is usually written in kana.
欠片かけらUsage12%
Common kanji spelling; the reading かけら is standard for this form.
カケラUsage9%
欠かけら
Rare kanji-kana mixed spelling; not commonly used.

破は片へん
破片 is more formal and often used for larger or more distinct fragments, especially in technical or accident contexts. かけら is more everyday and can be used figuratively.
一いっ片ぺん
一片 is a counter-like noun meaning 'a piece' or 'a fragment', often used with の to modify another noun (e.g., 一片の紙). かけら is a standalone noun for a broken piece.

Derived from the verb 欠ける (かける, 'to be chipped or broken off'), with the nominalizing suffix ら. The kanji 欠片 literally means 'missing piece'.