笠
Meanings
1
conical hat; coolie hat
Traditional East-Asian hat with a wide brim and pointed top, often made of bamboo or straw. Used in historical or cultural contexts.
The traveler put on a conical hat to keep off the rain.
2
Refers to something shaped like a conical hat or umbrella: a lampshade, mushroom cap, or the pileus of a fungus. Often used in compound words.
See also: 傘 (かさ)
The lampshade was covered in dust.
The cap of this mushroom is red with white spots.
Usage patterns
- 笠をかぶるto wear a conical hat
When working in the fields, people wear conical hats to block the sun.
- 〈物〉の笠the cap or shade of something
This mushroom's cap is red and round.
- ランプの笠lampshade
The lampshade spreads a soft yellow light.
Expressions
- 笠に着るtake advantage of one's authority; abuse one's position; throw one's weight around
- 笠の台が飛ぶbe fired; be decapitated
- 夜目遠目笠の内women appear most beautiful when viewed from afar, in the dark, or when wearing a bamboo hat; seeing less is more
- 蓑になり笠になりhelping and protecting in every way; being a constant support