To lay something out flat across a surface.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To spread something flat over a surface.
- Used for bedding, carpets, or infrastructure.
- Can also mean to implement a system.
Overview
- 1概要：「敷く」は、平面上に物を広げて置く動作を表す動詞です。単に置くのではなく、床や地面などの広いスペースに、平らに広げるというニュアンスが強いのが特徴です。2) 使用パターン：主に「何を」敷くのかという対象物と、「どこに」敷くのかという場所がセットで使われます。例えば、布団、カーペット、畳、レールなどが典型的な対象です。3) 一般的な文脈：日常生活では、布団を敷く、カーペットを敷くといった家事の場面で頻繁に使われます。また、インフラ整備の文脈では「線路を敷く」、経済や法律の文脈では「法律を敷く」「税金を敷く」といった比喩的な表現としても用いられます。4) 類語との比較：「並べる」は物を一列や一定の順序で置くことに焦点がありますが、「敷く」は平面を覆うように広げることに焦点があります。「置く」は点的な動作ですが、「敷く」は面的な広がりを伴う動作です。
Examples
寝る前に布団を敷く。
everydayI lay out the futon before sleeping.
新しいカーペットを敷いた。
formalI laid down a new carpet.
線路を敷く計画がある。
academicThere is a plan to lay tracks.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
敷居が高い
too expensive or difficult to enter
風呂敷を広げる
to make grand plans
Often Confused With
Oku is a general term for placing something anywhere. Shiku is specifically for spreading something flat on a surface.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'shiku' when dealing with flat, covering objects. It is a neutral term used in both casual and formal settings. Be careful not to use it for small or vertical objects.
Common Mistakes
Students often use 'oku' for everything. Remember that 'shiku' implies a flat, covering action. Also, avoid using it for objects that are not meant to cover a surface.
Tips
Focus on the flat surface
Imagine the object becoming part of the floor. It is most commonly used for items that cover a large area.
Don't confuse with placing small items
Do not use 'shiku' for small objects like a cup or a book. Use 'oku' for those instead.
Tatami culture
In Japan, 'shiku' is essential for 'futon' since they are stored away during the day. It is a daily routine in traditional homes.
Word Origin
Derived from ancient Japanese indicating the act of covering ground. It is related to the verb 'shiru' (to spread).
Cultural Context
The concept of 'shiku' is deeply tied to Japanese floor-based living. Managing space by laying out and putting away bedding is a core aspect of traditional domestic life.
Memory Tip
Think of 'shiku' as 'she's laying' a mat. The sound 'shiku' rhymes with the action of spreading a sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「敷く」は寝るために床に広げるという目的を伴います。「並べる」は単に物を一列に置くことを指すため、寝る準備という文脈では「敷く」を使います。
はい、正しいです。地面に沿って物を広げたり設置したりする場合に「敷く」が使われます。
「敷いた」となります。また、否定形は「敷かない」です。
「独裁政治を敷く」のように、制度や体制を確立・施行するという意味で使われることがあります。
Test Yourself
夜寝る前に、床に布団を___。
布団を床に広げる動作には「敷く」が最適です。
Score: /1
Summary
To lay something out flat across a surface.
- To spread something flat over a surface.
- Used for bedding, carpets, or infrastructure.
- Can also mean to implement a system.
Focus on the flat surface
Imagine the object becoming part of the floor. It is most commonly used for items that cover a large area.
Don't confuse with placing small items
Do not use 'shiku' for small objects like a cup or a book. Use 'oku' for those instead.
Tatami culture
In Japan, 'shiku' is essential for 'futon' since they are stored away during the day. It is a daily routine in traditional homes.
Examples
3 of 3寝る前に布団を敷く。
I lay out the futon before sleeping.
新しいカーペットを敷いた。
I laid down a new carpet.
線路を敷く計画がある。
There is a plan to lay tracks.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More home words
上に
B1Above; on top of.
不在
B1Absent; not present. Not in a particular place.
手頃な
B1Affordable, reasonable (price).
お先に
B1Excuse me for going first; said when leaving before others.
仲介
B1Mediation, agency (e.g., real estate).
あっ
B1Ah!; an exclamation of sudden realization or surprise.
エアコン
A2air conditioner
冷暖房
B1Air conditioning and heating system.
風通しの良い
B1Well-ventilated; airy.
～可
A2Suffix meaning "permitted" or "allowed".
