311
磨
Polish, Grind, Brush
みが.く
JLPT N2
Interesting Fact
Japanese craftspeople often spend years polishing (磨く) their skills. The phrase 腕を磨く literally means 'to polish one's arm,' but actually means 'to improve one's skills.'
Memory Trick
Imagine polishing a dull sword until it shines like a mirror. That shining blade helps you remember 磨 means 'to polish.'
Readings
Onyomi: マ (ma)
Kunyomi: みが.く
Example Words
磨く
みがく (migaku)
To polish
歯磨き
はみがき (hamigaki)
Tooth brushing
研磨
けんま (kenma)
Polishing
腕を磨く
うでをみがく (ude o migaku)
To improve one's skills
Example Sentence
毎日 日本語 の 腕 を 磨いています。
まいにち にほんご の うで を みがいています。
mainichi nihongo no ude o migaiteimasu
I polish my Japanese skills every day.