Meaning
To raise and hold an umbrella for protection.
Cultural Background
Umbrella stands ({傘立|かさた}て) are found at the entrance of almost every building. It is considered very rude to bring a dripping umbrella inside. In crowded cities, 'kasa-kashige' (tilting the umbrella) is a vital social skill to avoid conflict on narrow sidewalks. The 'Aiaigasa' (sharing an umbrella) is a major romantic milestone. If a boy asks a girl to share his umbrella, it's often seen as a confession of interest. The use of sun umbrellas ({日傘|ひがさ}) by men is a growing trend called 'Higasa Danshi' to combat extreme summer heat.
The 'State' vs 'Action'
Remember that 'sashite iru' is much more common than 'sasu' when you are actually walking in the rain.
Don't use 'motsu'!
If you say 'kasa o motte imasu' while you are under an umbrella, people will understand you, but it sounds like you are just carrying it.
Meaning
To raise and hold an umbrella for protection.
The 'State' vs 'Action'
Remember that 'sashite iru' is much more common than 'sasu' when you are actually walking in the rain.
Don't use 'motsu'!
If you say 'kasa o motte imasu' while you are under an umbrella, people will understand you, but it sounds like you are just carrying it.
Aiaigasa
Sharing an umbrella is a big deal! Use it as a conversation starter about Japanese romance.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
{雨|あめ}が{降|ふ}ってきたので、{傘|かさ}を（ ）ましょう。
The polite suggestion form is 'sashimashou'.
Which sentence is culturally and grammatically correct for a hot sunny day?
Which one would you say?
'Sasu' is used for both rain and sun umbrellas.
Match the verb to the state of the umbrella.
If the umbrella is OPEN and OVER YOUR HEAD, you are...
'Sashite iru' describes the state of using the umbrella.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {傘|かさ}、{持|も}っていますか？ B: いいえ。 A: じゃあ、いっしょに（ ）。
The speaker is offering to share the umbrella.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to 'Sasu'
Weather
- • Rain
- • Snow
- • Strong Sun
Types of Kasa
- • Amagasa (Rain)
- • Higasa (Sun)
- • Wagasa (Traditional)
Practice Bank
4 exercises{雨|あめ}が{降|ふ}ってきたので、{傘|かさ}を（ ）ましょう。
The polite suggestion form is 'sashimashou'.
Which one would you say?
'Sasu' is used for both rain and sun umbrellas.
If the umbrella is OPEN and OVER YOUR HEAD, you are...
'Sashite iru' describes the state of using the umbrella.
A: {傘|かさ}、{持|も}っていますか？ B: いいえ。 A: じゃあ、いっしょに（ ）。
The speaker is offering to share the umbrella.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, for a hat you must use 'kaburu'. 'Sasu' is specifically for umbrellas or things you thrust up.
{差|さ}す is for umbrellas, while {指|さ}す is for pointing with a finger. They sound the same but have different kanji.
Yes, 'kasa o tsukau' (to use an umbrella) is correct and natural, but 'sasu' is more specific and common.
In Japan, sun umbrellas (higasa) are used to prevent sunburn and stay cool. It's very common!
Related Phrases
{傘|かさ}を{閉|と}じる
contrastTo close an umbrella
{傘|かさ}を{持|も}つ
similarTo carry an umbrella
{相合傘|あいあいがさ}
specialized formSharing an umbrella
{雨宿|あまやど}りをする
similarTo take shelter from the rain
