Refers to a secluded or out-of-the-way spot, often indoors or in a landscape. Can be used for literal corners or figurative hidden places.
Dust has gathered in the corners of the room.
I felt as if they saw into every hidden corner of my heart.
Describes a shaded or darkened area, often in a natural setting like under trees. Also used in the compound 日陰 (ひかげ). The kanji 暈 is sometimes associated with this sense but is not in common use.
We took a rest in the shade of a tree.
Snow still remains in the shadowy hollows of the mountain.
dark circles (under the eyes); dark rings
Commonly used for the dark circles that appear under the eyes due to fatigue or aging. Often written in katakana as クマ in this sense.
Lately I haven't been sleeping enough, and I've got dark circles under my eyes.
I hide my dark circles with concealer.
Poetic or literary term for a bend or curve in a road, river, or similar feature. Not used in everyday conversation; 曲がり角 (まがりかど) or 湾曲 (わんきょく) are more common.
There was a small settlement at the bend of the river.
shading; gradation; kumadori (kabuki makeup)
Abbreviation of 隈取り (くまどり). Refers to shading or gradation in art, and specifically to the bold makeup patterns used in kabuki for heroic or supernatural roles. The kabuki sense is often left as 'kumadori' in English.
See also: 隈取り
The shading in this painting gives it a three-dimensional feel.
In kabuki, the kumadori colors differ depending on the role.
Means 'shade' or 'shadow' in a more general sense, often used for shade from sunlight. くま in sense 2 is more literary or poetic.
The common word for a bend or corner in a road. くま in sense 4 is a poetic synonym.
shading; gradation · kumadori; kabuki makeup for violent roles
all over; everywhere; in every corner · brightly; clearly
indigo blue makeup used in kabuki
every corner; every nook and cranny
shade; graduate; tint · put on stage makeup; make up one's face
abukumalite; britholite-(Y)
The word is usually written in kana. This is the safest and most common spelling for all senses.
Kanji form used in literary or technical contexts, and in compounds like 隈取り. Not common in everyday writing.
Katakana spelling is common for the 'dark circles under the eyes' sense.
Rare kanji form for the 'bend' sense. Usually written in kana.
Rare kanji form. Not recommended for learners.
The origin is uncertain. The word may be related to 隈 (くま) meaning 'corner' or 'hidden place', with extended meanings developing from the idea of a shadowed or recessed area. The kabuki makeup sense is an abbreviation of 隈取り.