1.
kotatsu, heated table
A traditional Japanese low table with an electric heater underneath and a blanket that drapes over the sides to trap heat, used for warming the lower body during cold weather.
炬燵から出たくない。
I don't want to get out of the kotatsu.
炬燵で寝ると風邪をひくよ。
You'll catch a cold if you fall asleep in the kotatsu.
寒くなったので炬燵を出した。
It got cold, so I set up the kotatsu.
冬は炬燵に入ってみかんを食べるのが好きだ。
In winter, I like getting into the kotatsu and eating mandarin oranges.
日本の冬と言えば炬燵とみかんだが、最近は炬燵のない家も増えている。
When people think of Japanese winter, they think of kotatsu and mandarin oranges, but recently more homes don't have a kotatsu.
The 炬燵 is a quintessential Japanese winter comfort item. It consists of a low wooden table frame covered with a futon or heavy blanket, with a heat source underneath. Modern kotatsu typically use electric heaters.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 炬燵に入る (to get into the kotatsu)
- 炬燵から出る (to get out of the kotatsu)
- 炬燵を出す (to set up the kotatsu)
- 炬燵をしまう (to put away the kotatsu)
CULTURAL NOTES:
- Traditionally associated with eating みかん (mandarin oranges) while staying warm in winter.
- The combination of 炬燵とみかん is a stereotypical image of Japanese winter comfort.
- Sleeping in the 炬燵 is considered unhealthy as only the lower body stays warm.