1.
edge; border; rim; trim
The outer edge or boundary of an object, typically the strip of material running along the perimeter. Used for the fabric border of tatami mats, the rim of dishes, the edges of pools and roofs, and similar perimeter areas.
帽子の縁が破れた。
The brim of the hat tore.
畳の縁を踏まないように歩く。
Walk without stepping on the edge of the tatami mats.
テーブルの縁に腰を掛けて話していた。
They were talking while perched on the edge of the table.
Refers to the visible edge or trim of an object — often a strip of fabric, wood, or other material along the perimeter.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 畳の縁: the cloth border of a tatami mat
- 帽子の縁: the brim of a hat
- お皿の縁: the rim of a plate
- プールの縁: the edge of a pool
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
In traditional Japanese etiquette, you do not step on the 畳の縁 — both as a matter of respect and because the cloth border wears out faster than the woven surface.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 端: end; edge — the endpoint or tip of something, not necessarily a decorative border
- 縁: edge; rim — same kanji, broader meaning of any rim or boundary line
- 縁: same kanji, completely unrelated meaning ('connection, fate')