甍いらか

noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'

roof tile; tiled roof

Refers to both individual roof tiles and a roof covered with tiles. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts, especially in traditional Japanese architecture.

• 古ふるい町まち並なみには甍いらかが美うつくしく並ならんでいる。

  In the old townscape, tiled roofs are beautifully lined up.

• 甍いらかの波なみが遠とおくまで続つづいている。

  A sea of tiled roofs stretches into the distance.

noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'

crowded houses; cluster of buildings

Figurative use evoking a dense collection of houses with tiled roofs, often in poetic or literary descriptions. Not used for modern high-rises.

• 山やまのふもとには甍いらかがひしめいている。

  At the foot of the mountain, houses crowd together.