Meaning and Usage
"ハンカチ" means "handkerchief" in Japanese, a small piece of cloth used for wiping sweat, blowing one's nose, or cleaning hands. It is a common personal item often carried in a bag or pocket.
Common Contexts
People use ハンカチ in daily life for hygiene and comfort, especially in situations like hot weather or when having a cold. It is polite and practical to carry one.
Collocations and Patterns
- ハンカチを持つ: to carry a handkerchief
- ハンカチで顔を拭く: to wipe one's face with a handkerchief
- ハンカチを忘れる: to forget one's handkerchief
Register and Politeness
The word ハンカチ is neutral and used in everyday conversation. It is neither formal nor informal.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse ハンカチ with タオル (towel). A ハンカチ is smaller and more personal, while タオル is larger and used for drying the body or hands after washing.