ハンカチ
はんかち
noun
handkerchief
1.
handkerchief
A small cloth used for wiping hands or face.
ハンカチを持っていますか。
Do you have a handkerchief?
ハンカチで汗を拭く。
To wipe sweat with a handkerchief.
ハンカチを忘れた。
I forgot my handkerchief.
ハンカチ is shortened from English "handkerchief." The full katakana form ハンカチーフ exists but is rarely used.
IN JAPANESE DAILY LIFE:
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:
- ハンカチで手を拭く: to wipe hands with a handkerchief
- ハンカチで汗を拭く: to wipe sweat with a handkerchief
- ハンカチを持ち歩く: 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:
- 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)