稲穂
Meanings
1
ear of rice; head of rice
Refers specifically to the grain-bearing part of a rice plant. Common in agricultural, seasonal, and poetic contexts.
In autumn, the ears of rice in the paddies shine golden.
I took a walk while watching the ears of rice swaying in the wind.
Usage patterns
- 稲穂が実るfor ears of rice to ripen
In autumn, the ears of rice ripen to a golden color.
- 稲穂が垂れるfor ears of rice to droop (from the weight of grain)
The ears of rice, heavy with grain, are drooping.
- 稲穂が風に揺れるfor ears of rice to sway in the wind
The ears of rice in the rice field are swaying in the wind.
Expressions
- 実るほど頭の下がる稲穂かなthe more learned, the more humble; the boughs bearing the most hang lowest
- 実るほど頭を垂れる稲穂かなthe more learned, the more humble; the boughs bearing the most hang lowest