1.
shoehorn
A curved tool used to help slip one's heel into a shoe more easily.
靴べらを使う。
To use a shoehorn.
玄関に靴べらが置いてある。
There's a shoehorn in the entryway.
この靴は靴べらがないと履きにくい。
These shoes are hard to put on without a shoehorn.
A compound of 靴 (shoe) and へら (spatula, flat tool). Written in mixed script as 靴べら; the kanji form 靴篦 exists but is rarely used.
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Shoehorns are a common household item in Japan, where shoes are removed at the 玄関 (entryway) of homes, schools, and many businesses. Long-handled shoehorns are often placed near the entrance for convenience.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 靴べらを使う — to use a shoehorn
- 靴べらで靴を履く — to put on shoes with a shoehorn
- 長い靴べら — a long-handled shoehorn
RELATED TERMS:
- 玄関 — entryway; where shoes are removed in Japanese homes
- 靴 — shoes
- 下駄箱 — shoe cupboard, shoe rack