形見
Meanings
1
memento of a deceased person; keepsake; heirloom
Primarily refers to an object left behind by someone who has died, kept in memory of them. Can also be used more broadly for a cherished keepsake, but the association with a deceased person is strong.
I treasure the ring that was my grandmother's keepsake.
He continued to use the fountain pen as a memento of his late father.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉を形見にもらうto receive something as a keepsake (of a deceased person)
I received my grandmother's ring as a keepsake.
- 〈人〉に〈物〉を形見として渡すto give someone something as a memento
The father gave his son a watch as a keepsake.
- 形見を残すto leave behind a keepsake (after one's death)
She left a letter behind as a keepsake for her children.
- 形見の〈物〉a treasured item that serves as a keepsake
This ring is a keepsake from my mother.