shade; shady spot
Refers to a shaded area, often one created by a building, tree, or other object blocking sunlight. Commonly used in everyday contexts.
暑い日は、犬が片陰で休んでいる。
On hot days, the dog rests in the shade.
この道は午後になるとビルの片陰になる。
This street becomes shaded by the building in the afternoon.
Compound of 片 (kata, 'one side') and 陰 (kage, 'shade'), literally meaning 'one-sided shade' or 'partial shade'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used to describe a shaded spot.