鞘
さ
や
Meanings
1
Primarily for a sword or blade. Also used metaphorically for something that encloses or protects.
Sheathe the sword.
2
usually written using kana alone
For pens, brushes, glasses, and similar items. Often written in kana.
I lost the cap of my fountain pen.
3
margin; spread; markup; commission
usually written using kana alonebusiness
Financial term: the difference between two prices, such as buying and selling prices. Usually written in kana.
See also: サヤ取り
The spread on this trade is small.
4
Rare architectural or historical use for an enclosing structure or outer fence.
The outer fence of the old castle remains.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉を鞘に納めるto put a blade back into its sheath
The samurai put his sword back into its sheath.
- サヤを取るto profit from a price margin (arbitrage)
He profited from the price gap between the two markets.
- 〈物〉を鞘から抜くto draw a blade from its sheath
He drew the sword from its sheath and took a stance.
- サヤが広がるfor a price margin to widen
Lately the spread between the two stocks has been widening.