はさみ

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

Counting patterns

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

Etymology

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.