Meaning

Primary

Bosom Pocket

Alternatives

Bosom, Inner Pocket

Word Type

noun

Explanation

You learned that means "nostalgia," but remember how it could also mean bosom pocket? Well, that's what the vocab word means too: bosom pocket.

originally referred to the space between the inner and outer layers of a kimono. As Western-style clothing became standard, it came to mean the inner pocket area around the chest.

Since people often kept money in their , it can figuratively refer to someone's financial capacity, as seen in expressions like 懐が寒い (being short on money). It can also describe a person's capacity to be accepting and tolerant, as in 懐が深い (someone with a "deep heart pocket," meaning they are broad-minded and generous of spirit).

Reading

ふところ
  • Miyuki
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Your bosom pocket is the core (ふところ) of your identity. You keep all kinds of things in there — ID cards, polaroids, mementos, a fat wad of cash — and that's why your bosom pocket looks so stuffed and . Your core defines you as a person, and you wouldn't be you without it!

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 懐に入れる

    to put into one's bosom pocket

    懐にしまう

    to tuck away in one's bosom pocket

    懐に入る

    to get into someone's favor

Context Sentences

彼女はそっと手紙を懐に入れた。

She quietly slipped the letter into her bosom pocket.

おかしいな、懐にしまった財布がないぞ。

Wait, that's weird… I put my wallet in my inner chest pocket, but it's gone.

あの人、人の懐に入るのが上手いんだよね。

That person is good at getting close to people.

そうは言っても、今月は懐具合が厳しいんですよ。

That said, money's a bit tight this month.

そのお金も彼の懐から出たんだよ。本当に懐が深い人だよね。

The money also came out of his own pocket. He really is a very generous person, isn't he?

Kanji Composition