1.
buckwheat hulls; buckwheat husks
The outer husks of buckwheat seeds, separated from the grain during milling. Traditionally used in Japan as a pillow filling because they are light, firm, and breathable.
蕎麦殻の枕を使っている。
I use a buckwheat hull pillow.
蕎麦殻は通気性がよい。
Buckwheat hulls have good breathability.
祖母は昔ながらの蕎麦殻枕を愛用している。
My grandmother is fond of the traditional buckwheat hull pillow.
Compound of 蕎麦 (buckwheat) + 殻 (husk, shell), with kara shifting to gara through rendaku.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 蕎麦殻の枕: buckwheat hull pillow
- 蕎麦殻を詰める: to fill with buckwheat hulls
- 蕎麦殻枕: buckwheat hull pillow (compound form)
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
The そばがら pillow is one of the oldest pillow fillings in Japan. It conforms to the shape of the head, stays cool in summer, and rustles softly when the user shifts. People with buckwheat allergies should avoid it.