sharaku: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Historical/Cultural
Quick answer
What does “sharaku” mean?
An earthenware roof tile used in traditional Japanese architecture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An earthenware roof tile used in traditional Japanese architecture.
Referring specifically to the distinctive, heavy, curved tiles (Sangawara or Kawara) made of fired clay, commonly seen on Japanese castles, temples, and older residential buildings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference; the term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes images of traditional Japanese aesthetics and historical buildings.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Likely only encountered in niche publications or by specialists.
Grammar
How to Use “sharaku” in a Sentence
[The/These] sharaku [verb: are made/line/weigh/date from]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sharaku” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sharaku-tiled roof was a masterpiece.
- They admired the sharaku craftsmanship.
American English
- The sharaku roof style is iconic.
- It was a classic sharaku design.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in papers on architectural history, Japanese studies, or heritage conservation.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used.
Technical
Used by architects specializing in historical restoration, archaeologists, or cultural historians.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sharaku”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sharaku”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sharaku”
- Using 'sharaku' to refer to any roof tile.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'sh' as in 'share'.
- Spelling it as 'sharako' or 'sharakoo'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized loanword used primarily in contexts related to Japanese architecture and history.
Typically, no. It specifically refers to the traditional, curved earthenware tiles used in historical Japanese buildings, though modern replicas exist for restoration.
Sharaku are distinctively shaped (often with a deep curve), made of thick fired clay, and are part of a specific roofing system with overlapping convex and concave tiles. They are much heavier and have a different aesthetic than typical Western tiles.
Yes, the pronunciation is similar, as it is a romanization of a Japanese word. However, it refers to a completely different thing (roof tiles vs. a portrait artist).
An earthenware roof tile used in traditional Japanese architecture.
Sharaku is usually technical/historical/cultural in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SHARP curve on a roof tile in a Japanese castle; SHARA-KU sounds like 'sharp arc'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHARAKU is a PROTECTIVE SHELL (for a building); a HARDENED SKIN (of a traditional roof).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'sharaku'?