はさみ

Alternative writings: 挟み, 挿み, ハサミ
Frequency:

1A clip — a device that holds something between two surfaces. Derived from the 連用形 of the verb 挟む. Rarely used as a standalone word in modern Japanese; it usually appears in compounds like 紙ばさみ (paper clip), 洗濯ばさみ (clothespin), 髪ばさみ (hair clip). The standalone term クリップ or ピンチ is more common today.

Noun

Examples

洗濯ばさみで靴下を干した。

I hung the socks up with clothespins.

紙ばさみに領収書をまとめて入れている。

I keep all my receipts together in a paper clip/folder.

2A go (board game) term: the 'pincer' (hasami), a move that attacks an opponent's stone by playing on one or both sides of it. A fundamental technique in fighting and influence-building. Usually written ハサミ in katakana.

NounGo (Game)Usually Kana

Examples

黒の小目に対して白がハサミに打って模様を消した。

Against Black's komoku, White played a pincer and erased the framework.

ハサミは攻めの基本手筋の一つで、初心者もまず学ぶ。

The pincer is one of the basic attacking techniques in go, and even beginners learn it first.

Word Relationships

Synonyms