はさみ

はさみ
noun
scissors
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.

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

general
Added 2026.1.7 21:11 · Revised 2026.2.13 21:00
00500/00702_hasami