How Do You Spell INRO?

Pronunciation: [ˈɪnɹə͡ʊ] (IPA)

The word "inro" is spelled with four letters, representing two syllables, pronounced as "in" and "ro." In IPA phonetic transcription, this word is represented as /ˈɪnroʊ/. It refers to a small, box-like object that was traditionally used by Japanese men to carry small items such as medicine or tobacco. Despite its simple spelling, "inro" can be challenging for non-native English speakers to pronounce correctly due to the unique combination of sounds in the word.

INRO Meaning and Definition

1. Inro is a Japanese traditional item of clothing that was commonly used during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is a small, decorative case that was suspended from a man's obi (a belt-like sash) or a woman's kimono sash known as an obi. The primary purpose of an inro was to serve as a container for small personal belongings, such as medicine, seals, or money.

   Typically, an inro is crafted from a variety of materials, including lacquer, wood, metal, and even precious materials like gold or ivory. It consists of multiple stacked compartments that are often connected by a cord, allowing the wearer to easily access the contents of each compartment. The compartments are usually small in size and are secured with a sliding or hinged cover.

   In addition to its practical functionality, the inro is also regarded as a work of art. Many inro designs exhibit intricate craftsmanship, often showcasing elaborate lacquer work or delicate hand-painted scenes. These decorative features often depict traditional Japanese motifs, nature scenes, or iconic figures.

   The inro functioned as both a utilitarian accessory and a fashion statement, reflecting the wearer's social status and personal taste. Today, inro is predominantly found in museum collections or prized by collectors, as it has largely fallen out of everyday use. However, its significance as a traditional item of Japanese culture and craftsmanship remains revered.

Common Misspellings for INRO

• INrUA

Etymology of INRO

The word "inro" originates from the Japanese language. It is written as "印籠" in kanji, where "印" means seal or stamp, and "籠" means a basket or cage. The term "inro" primarily refers to a traditional small case or box that was used to carry small personal belongings, medicine, or seals in Japan. These boxes were usually connected with a cord and hung from the obi (sash) of a kimono. Over time, the term "inro" has come to be universally recognized as the name for these ornamental cases, both in Japanese and English.