樋
と
い
Meanings
1
trough; gutter; water pipe; flume; chute
Refers to a channel or conduit for water, such as a roof gutter, a wooden trough, or a pipe. Common in construction and everyday contexts.
They installed a gutter at the edge of the roof.
In old houses, they used wooden troughs to collect water.
2
coulisse (of a sword blade)
Only with reading ひ
Rare, specialized term for the groove or channel on a sword blade. Restricted to the reading ひ.
In the world of swords, the hi (groove) serves to lighten the blade while maintaining strength.
Usage patterns
- 樋が詰まるfor a gutter/pipe to get clogged
The gutter got clogged with fallen leaves.
- 樋を取り付けるto install a gutter/pipe
We installed a new gutter on the roof.
- 樋から水が流れるfor water to flow from a gutter/pipe
When it rains, water overflows from the gutter.