The Meaning of shiku [敷く] In Japanese

敷く
しく
Romaji: shiku N5

What does 敷く mean?

Translation and Meaning

lay down, spread, lay out

Definition

What does 敷く mean? It means to lay down or spread something on a surface, commonly for physical items like tatami mats, carpets, or bedding, and it can also be used figuratively to lay out plans, foundations, or rules.

Type

verb (godan, 五段動詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • lay down or spread over a surface such as tatami, carpet, or bedding
  • lay out or spread something flat, like a map or fabric
  • establish or set up something in a figurative sense, such as plans, rules, or a foundation

Etymology

敷く is a native kun-reading verb; the character conveys the idea of spreading or applying a surface, and the verb form く attaches to express the action in modern Japanese; no major phonetic shifts are evident in contemporary use.

Composition

  • 敷 expresses the idea of spreading or applying over a surface; く is the verb ending that forms 敷く into a transitive verb meaning to lay down or spread.

Usage

Used in physical contexts such as placing tatami, carpets, bedding, or mats, and in figurative contexts to lay out plans, arrangements, or foundations. The verb takes a direct object with を for the thing laid and に for the location; common in both everyday speech and formal writing.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine a mat being spread over the floor; the act of covering a surface is central to 敷く, so visualize a sheet being laid flat to create a cover.

Variations

  • 敷く — shiku — lay down, spread
  • 敷設する — fusetsu suru — lay down infrastructure or cables
  • 広げる — hirogeru — spread out; related but broader nuance

Example Phrases

  • 今日は朝、玄関にマットを敷く。
    Kyou wa asa, genkan ni matto o shiku.
    I’m laying a mat at the entrance this morning.
    Lista:
    • 今日は (kyou wa) – today
    • 朝 (asa) – morning
    • 玄関に (genkan ni) – at the entrance
    • マットを (matto o) – mat (object marker)
    • 敷く (shiku) – to lay
    Use 「敷く」 as a transitive verb meaning to lay down; 「マットを敷く」 = lay a mat; 「玄関に」 marks the location.
敷く