(みかげいし)

みかげいし
noun
granite
1. granite; granite stone
A type of hard igneous rock widely used in Japan for gravestones, building foundations, stone lanterns, and paving. The name comes from Mikage, a district in Kobe historically famous for quarrying this stone.
墓石(はかいし)御影石(みかげいし)でできている。
The gravestone is made of granite.
神社(じんじゃ)参道(さんどう)御影石(みかげいし)()かれていた。
Granite was laid along the shrine's approach path.
台所(だいどころ)カウンター(かうんたー)御影石(みかげいし)使(つか)ったので、丈夫(じょうぶ)掃除(そうじ)もしやすい。
We used granite for the kitchen counter, so it is durable and easy to clean.

The name 御影(みかげ) comes from a place near Kobe that was historically a major source of this stone. Granite is the standard material for grave markers in Japan.

COMMON USES:

  • 墓石(はかいし): gravestones
  • 石灯籠(いしどうろう): stone lanterns
  • 参道(さんどう): shrine/temple approach paths
  • 建築(けんちく)基礎(きそ): building foundations
  • キッチンカウンター: kitchen countertops