Friday, May 21, 2010

マンガ

manga, "a harrow".

100520I had a chance to visit a local museum related to traditional folk houses. Among various displays, I found this word on a information sign. I was quite sure that this has very little to do with a cartoon which heavely atrracts young Japanese learners, but I did not know what does it mean. With a help by the guide, I was able to locate the real item, as on the right picture. Back to home, with a further search, now I know that it is acctually the word 馬鍬 ("horse-harrow"), which is originally read as まぐわ.

In this case, writing in kanji may be a much better help. Although writing in katakana emphasize the way of pronunciation, it obvious lacks for carrying out essential information.