(かがみ)

かがみ
noun
mirror
1. mirror
A reflective surface for seeing one's image.
(かがみ)()
To look in the mirror.
My face is reflected in the mirror.
The mirror broke.
In the morning, I fix my hair in front of the mirror before going out.
I bought new clothes and happily tried them on over and over in front of the mirror.

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

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • (かがみ)()る: to look in the mirror
  • (かがみ)(うつ)る: to be reflected in the mirror
  • (かがみ)(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)

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