漆(うるし)

うるし
noun
lacquer, Japanese lacquerware
art
1. lacquer, urushi
A natural lacquer made from the sap of the lacquer tree (urushi no ki). Used as a coating that hardens into a durable, glossy finish.
漆(うるし)を塗(ぬ)る。
To apply lacquer.
漆(うるし)は乾(かわ)くのに時間(じかん)がかかる。
Lacquer takes time to dry.
漆(うるし)に触(さわ)るとかぶれることがあるので注意(ちゅうい)が必要(ひつよう)だ。
Touching raw lacquer can cause a rash, so caution is needed.
2. lacquerware
Objects coated with lacquer, such as bowls, trays, and boxes.
漆(うるし)の器(うつわ)。
Lacquerware vessel.
お正月(しょうがつ)には漆(うるし)の重箱(じゅうばこ)を使(つか)う。
We use lacquerware stacking boxes for New Year's.
輪島塗(わじまぬり)は石川県(いしかわけん)の有名(ゆうめい)な漆器(しっき)で、何層(なんそう)もの漆(うるし)を重(かさ)ねて作(つく)られる。
Wajima-nuri is a famous lacquerware from Ishikawa Prefecture, made by layering many coats of lacquer.

Usage

漆(うるし) can refer to the raw sap, the finished coating, or lacquerware objects. The formal/technical term for lacquerware objects is 漆器(しっき).

Common collocations

Watch out

Raw 漆(うるし) sap contains urushiol, which causes contact dermatitis (かぶれ) in most people. The expression 漆(うるし)にかぶれる (to get a lacquer rash) is well known.

Cultural note

Japanese lacquerware has a history spanning thousands of years. The English word "japan" (lowercase) once meant lacquerware, reflecting Japan's association with the craft. Famous regional styles include 輪島塗(わじまぬり) and 会津塗(あいづぬり).

general
Added 2026.2.8 14:27 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
10500/10584_urushi