1.
dust, dirt, fine particles
Fine particles of matter that accumulate on surfaces or float in the air. Also used figuratively for impurities or worldly attachments.
棚の上に塵が積もっている。
Dust has accumulated on top of the shelf.
塵も積もれば山となる。
Even dust, when piled up, becomes a mountain. (Many a little makes a mickle.)
風が吹くと塵が舞い上がって目に入りそうになった。
When the wind blew, the dust swirled up and nearly got in my eyes.
PROVERB:
塵も積もれば山となる — "Even dust piles up into a mountain." A well-known proverb meaning that small amounts accumulate into something significant.
USAGE:
塵 refers to very fine particles — finer than 埃 (dust, in everyday speech). In everyday conversation, 埃 is more common for household dust. 塵 appears more in literary contexts and set phrases. The pair 塵芥 means "dust and rubbish" — worthless things.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 塵が積もる: dust accumulates
- 塵が舞う: dust swirls
- 塵ひとつない: not a speck of dust
- 塵芥: dust and rubbish, worthless things
SIMILAR WORDS:
塵 is literary and refers to very fine particles. 埃 (dust) is the everyday word for household dust. ゴミ (garbage, trash) is broader and refers to waste in general.