鏡(かがみ)

鏡(かがみ) refers to a mirror — both ordinary household mirrors and mirrors with cultural or symbolic significance.

Common patterns

• 鏡(かがみ)を見(み)る: to look in the mirror
• 鏡(かがみ)に映(うつ)る: to be reflected in the mirror
• 鏡(かがみ)の前(まえ)で: in front of the mirror

Compounds

• 手鏡(てかがみ): hand mirror
• 姿見(すがたみ): full-length mirror
• 鏡餅(かがみもち): stacked rice cakes for New Year
• 鏡開(かがみびら)き: breaking open the New Year rice cakes (or sake barrel)

Cultural note

Mirrors are one of the three sacred treasures of Japan (三種(さんしゅ)の神器(じんぎ)), symbolizing wisdom and truth.