線香(せんこう)

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

Common expressions

• 線香(せんこう)を上(あ)げる (to offer incense, light incense at an altar)
• 線香(せんこう)を焚(た)く (to burn incense)
• 線香(せんこう)の煙(けむり) (incense smoke)

Compounds

• 線香(せんこう)花火(はなび): sparklers (thin fireworks that resemble incense sticks)
• 蚊取(かと)り線香(せんこう): mosquito coil

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.