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.
古い町並みには甍が美しく並んでいる。
In the old townscape, tiled roofs are beautifully lined up.
甍の波が遠くまで続いている。
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.
山のふもとには甍がひしめいている。
At the foot of the mountain, houses crowd together.
瓦 is the common word for 'roof tile' in everyday language. 甍 is more literary and can also refer to the tiled roof as a whole or a cluster of such roofs.
屋根 is the general term for 'roof' regardless of material. 甍 specifically implies a tiled roof, often in a traditional or aesthetic context.
The kanji 甍 is composed of 瓦 (tile) and 夢 (dream) abbreviated, but the character's origin is not clearly established. The reading いらか is a native Japanese word of uncertain derivation.