柱時計(はしらどけい)

Etymology

• 柱(はしら): Pillar, post
• 時計(とけい): Clock

Cultural note

• Mounted on a wall or pillar
• Features a visible pendulum
• Often chimes on the hour
• Associated with traditional or older homes

柱時計(はしらどけい) evokes nostalgia for traditional Japanese homes and the Showa era. The rhythmic ticking and hourly chimes are associated with a slower, more deliberate pace of life.

Related words

• 振(ふ)り子(こ): Pendulum
• 時(じ)を打(う)つ: To strike the hour
• 掛(か)け時計(どけい): Wall clock (general term)

Types

• 柱時計(はしらどけい): Pendulum wall clock
• 掛(か)け時計(どけい): Wall clock
• 目覚(めざ)まし時計(どけい): Alarm clock
• 置(お)き時計(どけい): Table clock