軒(のき)

The overhanging edge of a roof. Deep eaves are typical of traditional Japanese houses: they shade the rooms from the high summer sun but let the low winter sun in.

Common expressions

• 軒下(のきした): under the eaves (軒下(のきした)で雨宿(あまやど)りする, to shelter from the rain under the eaves)
• 軒先(のきさき): the edge of the eaves; the front of a shop or house
• 軒(のき)を連(つら)ねる: (houses or shops) to stand side by side in a row

Watch out

• As a counter for houses and buildings, the same kanji is read けん: 一軒(いっけん), 二軒(にけん), 何軒(なんげん)