Meaning and Usage
"泥" (どろ) means "mud" in Japanese. It refers to wet, soft earth often found after rain or near water. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about outdoor conditions or children playing.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "泥" when describing weather effects, such as a muddy garden or road after rain. It also appears in phrases about cleaning or removing mud from shoes or clothes.
Collocations and Patterns
- 泥遊び (どろあそび): playing in the mud, often used when talking about children.
- 泥だらけ (どろだらけ): covered in mud, used to describe something or someone very dirty.
- 泥を落とす (どろをおとす): to remove mud, a common phrase when entering a clean place.
Register and Nuance
"泥" is a neutral noun used in casual and formal contexts. It is straightforward and does not carry figurative meanings in everyday speech.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "泥" with "土" (つち), which means "soil" or "earth" but is usually dry. Remember, "泥" specifically implies wetness and stickiness.