This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

刺草

蕁麻

Readings

Kana: いらくさ、イラクサ、じんま、おいら
Romaji: irakusa, irakusa, jinma, oira
Kana
Romaji

Definition

1

nettle (Urtica thunbergiana)

Note: word usually written using kana alone

Kanji

Readings: シ、 さ.す、 さ.さる、 さ.し、 さし、 とげ
Meanings: thorn, pierce, stab, prick, sting, calling card
Readings: ソウ、 くさ、 くさ-、 -ぐさ
Meanings: grass, weeds, herbs, pasture, write, draft
Readings: ジン、 タン
Meaning: a kind of grass
Readings: マ、 マア、 あさ
Meanings: hemp, flax, numb

Example Sentence

バラのとげで()されるよりは、いらくさのとげで()された(ほう)がましだ。
➥It is better to be stung by a nettle than pricked by a rose.
Full Entry➤