(むく)

むく
noun, na-adjective
pure, innocent, unsullied
1. pure, innocent, unsullied
Free from impurity, corruption, or worldly taint. Used to describe a state of purity, whether of a person's character, a child's innocence, or spiritual cleanliness.
()どもの無垢(むく)笑顔(えがお)(いや)された。
I was comforted by the child's innocent smile.
彼女(かのじょ)無垢(むく)(こころ)()(ぬし)だ。
She is a person with a pure heart.
(あか)ちゃんの無垢(むく)(ひとみ)()ていると、()(なか)(わずら)わしさを(わす)れる。
Looking into a baby's innocent eyes, I forget the troubles of the world.
2. solid, pure (material)
Made of a single, unblended material with no coating or veneer. Used in woodworking and materials to mean solid wood or pure material.
この(ゆか)無垢(むく)木材(もくざい)使(つか)っている。
This floor uses solid wood.
無垢(むく)(ざい)合板(ごうはん)より(たか)いが、質感(しつかん)がいい。
Solid wood is more expensive than plywood, but the texture is better.
無垢(むく)()(つく)った家具(かぐ)年月(ねんげつ)とともに(あじ)わいが()す。
Furniture made of solid wood develops more character over the years.

GRAMMAR:
Used as a noun and as a na-adjective (無垢(むく)な). Also commonly used with の as a modifier: 無垢(むく)() (solid wood).

ETYMOLOGY:
Originally a Buddhist term meaning free from worldly defilement. () (without) + () (dirt/impurity).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 無垢(むく)笑顔(えがお): innocent smile
  • 無垢(むく)(こころ): pure heart
  • 無垢(むく)(ざい): solid wood material
  • 純白(じゅんぱく)無垢(むく): pure white and unsullied (often used for bridal imagery)