ハンカチ
hankachi[hã̠ŋka̠t͡ɕi]
The English word 'handkerchief' is translated into Japanese as ハンカチ (hankachi). Wiktionary also lists ハンカチーフ (hankachīfu) and 鼻拭き (hanafuki).
Meaning: cloth for wiping the face, eyes, nose or hands (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ハンカチ | hankachi | [hã̠ŋka̠t͡ɕi] (narrow) |
| ハンカチーフ | hankachīfu | |
| 鼻拭き | hanafuki | [ha̠na̠ɸɯ̟kʲi] (narrow) |
The term ハンカチ refers to a small, decorative cloth used for wiping the face, eyes, nose or hands. In modern Japan, ハンカチ typically refers to a small, decorative cloth used for wiping hands or face, rather than a large cloth used for heavy-duty cleaning. While it refers to a handkerchief, a traditional Japanese hand towel known as 手拭い can also be used as a handkerchief.
Which one should you use?
ハンカチ is the most common, everyday way to say handkerchief. In contrast, ハンカチーフ is a more formal or slightly more old-fashioned version of the word, often used in literature or more polite contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
hankachi
Did you know?
- In Japan, it is common to carry two separate ハンカチ: one for wiping hands and another specifically for blowing the nose, as using the same cloth for both is often seen as unhygienic.
- Many Japanese people use a ハンカチ as a makeshift coaster to protect tables from condensation, a social gesture that shows consideration for others.
- The common Japanese word ハンカチ is actually an English loanword, even though it has been fully integrated into the language's everyday vocabulary.
Examples in context
- 彼はハンカチを取り出した。He took out his handkerchief.This sentence shows the use of ハンカチ for an object being taken out.Tatoeba #111230 by bunbuku, translation #292454 by CK
- 彼はハンカチで鼻をかんだ。He blew his nose in a handkerchief.This sentence shows the use of ハンカチ for blowing one's nose.Tatoeba #111231 by bunbuku, translation #292453 by CH
- 彼はハンカチで手をふいた。He wiped his hands on a handkerchief.This sentence shows the use of ハンカチ for wiping hands.Tatoeba #111232 by bunbuku, translation #292452 by CK
- すみません、借りられるハンカチはありますか？Excuse me, do you have a handkerchief I could borrow?
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is looking for something in her bag before lunch.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、ハンカチ持ってる？Yui, hankachi motteru?Yui, do you have a handkerchief?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、これだよ。Un, kore da yo.Yeah, here it is.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、助かるよ。Arigatou, tasukaru yo.Thanks, you're a lifesaver.
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ、大翔。Ii yo, Hiroto.No problem, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handkerchief” translations and entries ハンカチ, 鼻拭き, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ハンカチ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
