ハンカチ

ハンカチ is shortened from English "handkerchief." The full katakana form ハンカチーフ exists but is rarely used.

Cultural note

Carrying a ハンカチ is considered basic etiquette in Japan. Many public restrooms do not provide paper towels or hand dryers, so a personal handkerchief is essential. Also used for wiping sweat in summer.

Common collocations

• ハンカチで手(て)を拭(ふ)く: to wipe hands with a handkerchief
• ハンカチで汗(あせ)を拭(ふ)く: to wipe sweat with a handkerchief
• ハンカチを持(も)ち歩(ある)く: to carry a handkerchief

Types

• タオルハンカチ: towel handkerchief (thicker, absorbent)
• ガーゼハンカチ: gauze handkerchief (thin, soft)

Related words

• ティッシュ: tissue paper
• タオル: towel
• ポケットティッシュ: pocket tissues (also commonly carried)