1.
hourglass; sandglass; sand timer
A timing device consisting of two glass bulbs joined at a narrow neck, with sand flowing from the upper to the lower bulb to measure a fixed interval. Modern small versions are often used for cooking, tea brewing, or showers.
砂時計をひっくり返す。
I'll flip the hourglass over.
三分の砂時計で紅茶の時間を計る。
I'll time the tea with a three-minute hourglass.
砂時計の砂が落ちきるのを眺めていると、時間が経つのを忘れてしまう。
Watching the sand finish falling in the hourglass, I lose track of time.
Compound of 砂 (sand) + 時計 (clock). The 時 is pronounced ど, not と, due to 連濁 voicing.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 砂時計をひっくり返す: to flip the hourglass
- 砂時計の砂が落ちる: the sand falls
- 三分砂時計: three-minute hourglass
USAGE:
Apart from the literal object, 砂時計 is sometimes used metaphorically for the passage of time or a deadline running out, especially in song lyrics and titles.