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

Readings

Kana: すわえ、ずわえ、すわい、ずわい
Romaji: suwae, zuwae, suwai, zuwai
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

1

switch (long, tender shoot of a plant)

Note: archaism
2

switch (cane used for flogging)

See also: (reading しもと)

Kanji

Readings: ソ、 ショ、 いばら、 しもと、 すわえ
Meanings: whip, cane
Readings: ビョウ、 ショウ、 こずえ
Meanings: twig, treetop

Example Sentences

これじゃあまるで四面楚歌(しめんそか)だ。
➥I see that I am surrounded by hostile faces.
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あんな四面楚歌(しめんそか)状態(じょうたい)で、(かれ)よく仕事(しごと)してられるよな。
➥He's completely shunned. I'm surprised he's still working here.
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