Meaning and Usage
"羽根" (はね) primarily means "feather" or "wing" and is used to describe the feathers of birds or similar structures. It can also refer to the feathers used in sports equipment like badminton shuttlecocks.
Common Collocations
- 羽根が舞う (feathers flutter): describes feathers moving lightly in the air.
- 羽根のシャトル (feather shuttlecock): refers to the badminton shuttlecock made with feathers.
- 羽根のように (like a feather): a simile to express lightness or delicacy.
Register and Nuance
"羽根" is a neutral noun used in everyday conversation and writing. It is often used in natural descriptions of nature or sports contexts.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "羽根" with "羽" (also read はね), which can mean "feather" or "counter for birds" but is more general. "羽根" often emphasizes the physical feather or wing structure, especially in sports or natural imagery.