1.
sheath; scabbard
A protective cover for a blade, especially a Japanese sword. Also used metaphorically in idiomatic expressions.
刀を鞘に収めた。
He sheathed the sword.
この鞘は漆で美しく塗られている。
This scabbard is beautifully lacquered.
武士は鞘から刀を抜き、静かに構えた。
The samurai drew his sword from the scabbard and quietly assumed a stance.
2.
pod; hull; shell
The outer casing of beans or peas. Used in cooking and agricultural contexts.
えんどう豆の鞘をむく。
Shell the pea pods.
鞘つきのインゲンを買った。
I bought green beans still in their pods.
そら豆は鞘から出して塩ゆでにすると美味しい。
Broad beans are delicious when removed from the pod and boiled with salt.
Two distinct meanings connected by the concept of an outer covering.
SENSE 1 (sheath):
Central to Japanese sword culture. Appears in well-known idioms.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS (sheath):
- 鞘に収める (sheathe; also figuratively: settle a dispute)
- 鞘から抜く (draw from the scabbard)
- 鞘当て (rivalry between two people, lit. scabbards bumping)
IDIOM:
元の鞘に収まる — to get back together (of a couple), literally "return to the original scabbard."
SENSE 2 (pod):
Used for beans, peas, and similar vegetables.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS (pod):
- 鞘をむく (shell pods)
- 鞘つき (with pods still on)
- 鞘いんげん (string beans in pods)