1.
lap blanket; lap robe; throw blanket
A small blanket or throw used to cover the legs and lap while sitting, commonly used in offices, on airplanes, or when sitting on a sofa.
膝掛けを借りてもいいですか。
May I borrow a lap blanket?
オフィスが寒いので膝掛けを使っている。
The office is cold, so I use a lap blanket.
飛行機の中で膝掛けをもらって眠った。
I got a blanket on the airplane and fell asleep.
USAGE:
Very common in daily life, especially for women working in air-conditioned offices. Airlines and trains often provide them. Also called ブランケット in casual contexts, especially among younger speakers.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 膝掛けを掛ける (to put a lap blanket over one's legs)
- 膝掛けを貸す (to lend a lap blanket)
- フリースの膝掛け (fleece lap blanket)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ブランケット: blanket — loanword, more casual and broader in usage
- 毛布: blanket — a full-size blanket for sleeping