はさみ

はさみ
noun
scissors
tool
See also: 挟(はさ)む (verb form)
1. scissors
A cutting tool with two blades connected by a pivot. Used for cutting paper, cloth, and other materials.
はさみを貸(か)してください。
Please lend me some scissors.
はさみで紙(かみ)を切(き)ります。
I cut paper with scissors.
はさみはどこですか。
Where are the scissors?

Usually written in hiragana. The kanji 鋏(はさみ) exists but is rarely used in everyday writing.

Counters

Counted with 本(ほん) (for long objects) or 丁(ちょう) (traditional). A single pair is still just はさみ - Japanese doesn't distinguish singular/plural.

Common expressions

  • はさみで切(き)る: to cut with scissors
  • はさみを入(い)れる: to cut into (with scissors); to make cuts
  • 裁(た)ちばさみ: fabric scissors, shears
  • 爪切(つめき)りばさみ: nail scissors

Related verb

はさむ means 'to pinch' or 'to hold between' - the scissors はさみ comes from this verb's noun form.

Usage

In Japan, it's considered bad luck to give scissors as a gift (they 'cut' relationships), though this superstition is fading.

Related Words

Compare: カッター (cutter)
Compare: カッターナイフ (utility knife)
Compare: 剪定(せんてい)ばさみ (pruning shears)
general
Added 2026.1.7 21:11 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
00500/00702_hasami