線香(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)に線香(せんこう)を上(あ)げる。
To light incense at the Buddhist altar.
線香(せんこう)の香(かお)りが部屋(へや)に広(ひろ)がった。
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)を焚(た)いて、先祖(せんぞ)を供養(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:

  • 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)

COMMON 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.

general
Added 2026.2.4 22:51
09500/09995_senkou