数珠（じゅず、juzu）
- rosary/beads

The Japanese word 数珠 (じゅず - *juzu*) refers to a string of beads used primarily for Buddhist prayer and meditation. These beads are typically strung together and often include a larger "master bead" and a tassel. They are used to count repetitions of mantras, prayers, or prostrations. The word 数珠 can also refer to the act of using these beads.

⚫︎お寺で《数珠を買いました。》 Translation: I bought a 数珠 at the temple. ⚫︎彼は毎日《数珠を使ってお経を唱えています。》 Translation: He chants sutras every day using his 数珠. ⚫︎《数珠を手に持って合掌してください。》 Translation: Please hold the 数珠 in your hands and put your palms together (in prayer).

This word is commonly used in conversations related to Buddhism, religious practices, and funerals. You would use 数珠 when talking about the prayer beads themselves, the act of praying with them, or the context of Buddhist ceremonies. It's important to note the proper way to handle and use a 数珠 as there are specific customs and traditions associated with them.

⚫︎The word 数珠 is primarily written using kanji, 数珠. ⚫︎The reading is じゅず (juzu) in hiragana. ⚫︎There is only one common way to write this word. The okurigana is not applicable here.

There are no direct synonyms in Japanese. However, you could refer to the beads themselves as 念珠 (ねんじゅ - nenju) - prayer beads, which is less common.

There are no direct antonyms for 数珠. The concept does not have an opposite.

葬儀の際、《数珠は故人を弔うために使われます。》 ・Translation: During funerals, 数珠 are used to mourn the deceased. ・Explanation: This sentence explains the use of 数珠 in the context of a funeral.

この《数珠は私の祖母から受け継いだものです。》 ・Translation: I inherited this 数珠 from my grandmother. ・Explanation: This sentence explains the origin of the 数珠.

The word 数珠 is a combination of two kanji. 数 (suu) means "number" or "count," and 珠 (ju) means "bead" or "pearl." Therefore, the literal meaning reflects the function of the object: to count beads.