(せんこう)

せんこう
noun
incense stick
1. incense stick
A thin stick of incense that is burned for its fragrance, commonly used in Buddhist ceremonies, at household altars, and for relaxation.
仏壇(ぶつだん)線香(せんこう)()げる
To light incense at the Buddhist altar.
The scent of incense spread through the room.
お{盆(ぼん)には毎日(まいにち)線香(せんこう)()いて、先祖(せんぞ)供養(くよう)する。
During Obon, we burn incense every day to honor our ancestors.

線香(せんこう) literally means "line incense" referring to its stick shape.

Common expressions

Compounds

Cultural note

Burning 線香(せんこう) at Buddhist altars (仏壇(ぶつだん)) is an important daily practice in many Japanese households, especially to honor deceased family members.