1.
mirror
A reflective surface for seeing one's image.
鏡 refers to a mirror — both ordinary household mirrors and mirrors with cultural or symbolic significance.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 鏡を見る: to look in the mirror
- 鏡に映る: to be reflected in the mirror
- 鏡の前で: in front of the mirror
COMPOUNDS:
- 手鏡: hand mirror
- 姿見: full-length mirror
- 鏡餅: stacked rice cakes for New Year
- 鏡開き: breaking open the New Year rice cakes (or sake barrel)
CULTURE:
Mirrors are one of the three sacred treasures of Japan (三種の神器), symbolizing wisdom and truth.