扇子
sensu[sẽ̞ɰ̃sɨ]
The English phrase "hand fan" can be translated into Japanese as 扇子 (sensu), which specifically means a folding fan.
扇子 refers to a hand-held folding fan.
Meaning: hand-held device (noun)
Which one should you use?
While both are hand fans, 扇子 (sensu) refers specifically to a folding fan. If you are referring to a rigid, non-folding round fan, the correct word is 団扇 (uchiwa).
How do you pronounce it?
sensu
When do people say it?
In Japanese culture, 扇子 are often used as formal accessories in traditional ceremonies and gift-giving.
Did you know?
- Because the shape of an open 扇子 widens from a single point, it is sometimes seen as a symbol of future prosperity and growth.
- While 'sensu' describes the object, in certain traditional arts, the word can also refer to the specific way an actor or dancer uses the fan to represent objects like a sword or a sake cup.
- In traditional Japanese etiquette, a person may place their 扇子 on the floor or table in front of them as a way to show respect or define their personal space during a tea ceremony.
Examples in context
- 田中さんは美しい お扇子を持っています。Mr. Tanaka has a beautiful folding fan.
- 今日は暑いね！ うちわ貸してくれない？It's hot today! Can you lend me a hand fan?
- 扇子を広げる。Sensu o hirogeru.To open a hand fan.
- この扇子はとても美しいです。Kono sensu wa totemo utsukushii desu.This hand fan is very beautiful.
- 夏には扇子が便利です。Natsu ni wa sensu ga benri desu.Hand fans are convenient in summer.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are at a summer festival.
- 蓮 Ren結衣、すごく暑いね。Yui, sugoku atsui ne.Yui, it's really hot, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当だね。蓮、扇子を持ってる？Hontou da ne. Ren, sensu o motteru?It really is. Ren, do you have a hand fan?
- 蓮 Renうん、持ってるよ。どうぞ。Un, motteru yo. Douzo.Yes, I have one. Here you go.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう。助かるよ。Arigatou. Tasukaru yo.Thank you. That helps a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hand fan” translations and entries 扇子, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
