ござ
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
A traditional Japanese mat woven from rushes or similar plant fibers, often used as a floor covering or for sitting. Commonly encountered in the polite phrase ございます, which is etymologically related but now functions as a copula.
In summer, I put down a rush mat in the room.
This mat feels nice and comfortable to the touch.
Usage patterns
- ござを敷くto lay out a rush mat
We laid out a rush mat in the garden and enjoyed cherry-blossom viewing.
- ござの上に座るto sit on a rush mat
On the day of the festival, everyone sat on a rush mat to rest.
- ござを丸めるto roll up a rush mat
I rolled up the rush mat after using it and put it away.