裾（すそ、suso）
- hem

The word 裾 (すそ) primarily refers to the hem of a garment, such as a skirt, dress, pants, or coat. It can also refer to the lower edge or border of something, extending beyond clothing to describe the base of a slope or the edge of a valley. In essence, it indicates the bottom part or the extremity of an object. The word often conveys a sense of the "edge" or "border" of something, be it physical or metaphorical.

⚫︎スカートの裾が長すぎる。 Translation: The hem of the skirt is too long. ⚫︎ズボンの裾を直してもらいます。 Translation: I will have the hem of my pants altered. ⚫︎山の裾には小さな村がある。 Translation: There is a small village at the foot of the mountain.

This word is commonly used in everyday conversations when discussing clothing, fashion, and surroundings. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. You can use it when talking about clothing adjustments, descriptions of landscapes, or even figurative expressions about boundaries or limits. The most common use is in discussions related to clothing, so knowing how to ask about the hem of a garment is useful.

裾 (すそ) is typically written in kanji. The hiragana reading is すそ. There are no significant variations in the okurigana (suffix hiragana). While less common, the katakana form スソ is also possible, mainly for stylistic purposes or emphasizing the word.

⚫︎ 裾 (すそ) (same word) ⚫︎ 端 (はし) - edge, end, verge ⚫︎ 縁 (ふち) - edge, brim, rim ⚫︎ 下 (した) - bottom, the lower part

⚫︎ 上 (うえ) - top, upper part ⚫︎ 頂上 (ちょうじょう) - summit, top

服の裾が汚れてしまった。 ・Translation: The hem of my clothes got dirty. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 裾 (すそ) to describe the bottom edge of clothing and the issue of it becoming soiled.

このドレスの裾はレースで飾られています。 ・Translation: The hem of this dress is decorated with lace. ・Explanation: This sentence describes the decoration on the hem of a dress, again showing the clothing-related use of 裾 (すそ).

The etymology of 裾 is not precisely known. However, it is believed to be derived from the meaning of "edge" or "border" as it relates to the bottom portion of clothing or other objects. It has been used for a long time, evolving from the meaning of "boundary" or "edge."