こたつ
Meanings
1
kotatsu; heated table with quilt
usually written using kana alone
A low table with an electric heater underneath, covered by a quilt to trap heat. Originally used a charcoal brazier set in a floor well. A common household item in winter.
In winter, I like sitting under the kotatsu and eating mandarin oranges.
I dozed off under the kotatsu.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉がこたつに入るto get into (under) a kotatsu
It was cold, so I got under the kotatsu and watched TV.
- こたつで丸くなるto curl up under a kotatsu (esp. of cats, or lazily)
The cat is curled up asleep under the kotatsu.
- こたつでみかんを食べるto eat mikan while sitting at a kotatsu (a classic Japanese winter scene)
In winter, I look forward to eating mikan at the kotatsu.
- こたつを出すto set up (bring out) the kotatsu for the season
It's about time to set up the kotatsu for the season.