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素衣 (そい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

素そ衣い

Meanings

1

noun

archaic

Archaic term for white garments, typically plain or undyed. Found in classical texts; not used in modern everyday language.

古こ典てん文ぶん学がくでは、僧そう侶りょが素そ衣いをまとう描びょう写しゃがある。
In classical literature, there are descriptions of monks wearing white robes.

Kanji

素elementary, principle, naked
衣garment, clothes, dressing

Similar words

白はく衣い
白衣 is the modern standard word for white clothing, especially a white coat or robe, while 素衣 is archaic and rarely used.

Etymology

Compound of 素 (plain, undyed) and 衣 (clothing). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning 'white clothes' in classical contexts.