noun
thatching grass; thatching sedge
Refers to grasses or sedges (especially Miscanthus sinensis) used for thatching roofs, walls, or other traditional structures. Often encountered in historical or architectural contexts.
昔の家は茅で屋根を葺いていた。
Old houses had roofs thatched with kaya grass.
この地域では茅を刈る風景がよく見られる。
In this region, you can often see people cutting thatching grass.
The word かや is of native Japanese origin. The kanji 茅 and 萱 are both used for this word, with 茅 being more common. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.