noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Classical poetic word for deep black or darkness, often used as a pillow word (makurakotoba) for night, dreams, or black hair. Rare in modern prose.
'Pitch-black night' is an expression often used in classical waka poetry.
Her hair was praised as being like jet-black jewels.
lesser cuckoo
Classical poetic spelling; the most recognized kanji form in literary contexts.
Kana spelling is practical for modern learners and avoids rare kanji.
Variant kanji spelling, also found in classical poetry.
Variant kanji spelling, literally 'crow jewel'.
Variant kanji spelling, literally 'crow pearl'.
An ancient word originally naming the dark berries of the plant ヒオウギ. Through their black color, ぬばたま became a poetic expression and pillow word associated with darkness, night, and black hair; 射干玉 is an early conventional spelling.