鱗(うろこ)

うろこ
noun
scale (of fish, reptile)
1. scale (of a fish or reptile)
The small, flat, overlapping plates that cover the skin of fish and reptiles.
魚(さかな)の鱗(うろこ)を取(と)る。
To remove the scales of a fish.
蛇(へび)は鱗(うろこ)で覆(おお)われている。
Snakes are covered in scales.
料理(りょうり)する前(まえ)に、包丁(ほうちょう)の背(せ)で魚(さかな)の鱗(うろこ)をていねいに取(と)り除(のぞ)く。
Before cooking, carefully remove the fish scales with the back of a knife.

WRITING:
Usually written in hiragana (うろこ) or kanji (鱗(うろこ)). The kanji is relatively uncommon in everyday writing.

IDIOM:
目(め)から鱗(うろこ)が落(お)ちる (literally, "scales fall from one's eyes") means to have a sudden realization or to see something in a completely new way. This is one of the most well-known expressions using 鱗(うろこ).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 鱗(うろこ)を取(と)る: to remove scales
  • 鱗(うろこ)が光(ひか)る: scales glisten
  • 目(め)から鱗(うろこ): eye-opening realization
general
Added 2026.2.9 16:23
10500/10722_uroko