Related words ススキ is the general plant name (Miscanthus sinensis), while 茅 refers to the same or similar grasses specifically when used or gathered as thatching material.
藁 is dried rice or wheat straw, whereas 茅 refers to tall grasses like Miscanthus used specifically for thatching roofs.
Counted with Used when counting reeds, stalks, or bundled thatching material as long cylindrical items.
Used when counting it as a bundle of grass or reeds.
Word family· 7 hayfield; field of miscanthus
thatching; thatched roof
abura-gaya; Scirpus wichurai
Japanese accentor
thatched-roof gate · my humble home
Show 2 more Show fewer orchard grass; cat grass
Japanese foxtail
Written forms 茅かや Usage 32%
Standard kanji for thatching grass/sedge; high-frequency in news contexts.
かや Usage 43%
Kana spelling is practical when the kanji is not needed or for clarity.
萱かや Usage 25%
Alternate kanji; less common but still used, especially in proper nouns.
カヤ Usage <1%
Etymology The word かや is of native Japanese origin. The kanji 茅 and 萱 are both used for this word, with 茅 being more common. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.
Report an issue with this page
Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.