1.
lid, cover, cap
A removable or hinged piece that covers an opening or container.
鍋の蓋をしてください。
Please put the lid on the pot.
ペットボトルの蓋が開かない。
I can't open the bottle cap.
蓋を開けたら良い匂いがした。
When I opened the lid, there was a nice smell.
弁当箱の蓋がなかなか閉まらない。
The lid of the lunch box won't close properly.
炊飯器の蓋を開けると、炊きたてのご飯のいい匂いが広がった。
When I opened the lid of the rice cooker, the nice smell of freshly cooked rice filled the air.
蓋 is a general-purpose word for any removable cover or lid on a container. It applies to pots, bottles, boxes, jars, and more.
WRITING:
The kanji 蓋 is common but hiragana ふた is also widely used, especially in casual writing.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 蓋をする: to put on a lid
- 蓋を開ける: to open a lid
- 蓋を閉める: to close a lid
- 蓋を取る: to remove a lid
SIMILAR WORDS:
- キャップ: cap (for bottles, pens)
- カバー: cover (broader, often for protective covers)
- 栓: plug, stopper (for corks, bath drains)
IDIOM:
蓋を開けてみないと分からない means "you won't know until you try" (literally, until you open the lid).
Related Words
Related:
栓 (plug, stopper)