がま口(ぐち)

がまぐち
noun
clasp purse; coin purse with metal clasp
1. clasp purse; coin purse with metal clasp
A small purse with a hinged metal frame and clasp that snaps open like a frog's mouth — the origin of the name. Most commonly used as a coin purse but also made in larger sizes.
祖母(そぼ)にがま口(ぐち)をもらった。
My grandmother gave me a clasp purse.
がま口(ぐち)を開(あ)けて小銭(こぜに)を出(だ)した。
I opened the clasp purse and took out some coins.
京都(きょうと)の店(みせ)で、和柄(わがら)のかわいいがま口(ぐち)財布(ざいふ)を見(み)つけた。
At a shop in Kyoto, I found a cute clasp purse with a Japanese pattern.

Literally 'toad's mouth' — from がま (toad) + 口(くち) (mouth), so named because the metal frame opens like a frog or toad's wide mouth. Often associated with traditional Japanese craft fabrics.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • がま口(ぐち)財布(ざいふ): clasp-style wallet
  • がま口(ぐち)を開(あ)ける: to open a clasp purse
  • 和柄(わがら)のがま口(ぐち): clasp purse with Japanese pattern

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 小銭入(こぜにい)れ: coin purse (general term)
  • 財布(さいふ): wallet
  • 長財布(ながさいふ): long wallet
general
Added 2026.5.14 12:11
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