伽羅

Etymology 1


From.

Proper noun

 * 1)  the : a grouping of smaller states on the southern end of the Korean peninsula, roughly dating to 42-532

Derived terms

 * , by extension of the Gaya confederacy to the entire Korean peninsula
 * , by extension of the Korean peninsula further to the Chinese mainland
 * , by extension of "China"
 * , by extension of "China"

Etymology 2


There are two leading theories, both deriving from :
 * From the first two syllables of, a phonetic rendering of , referring to a kind of fragrant black (kālā) agarwood tree (aguru) used for incense.
 * From the last two syllables of, a phonetic rendering of , referring to ( or ) or a fragrant powder made from the plant.

Noun

 * : a Japanese yew variety,
 * 1) an aromatic tree
 * 2) incense, especially when made from such aromatic wood
 * 3)  something of high quality, a rarity, a luxury
 * 4)  during the, a red-light district slang word for "money"
 * 5) flattery, sycophancy

Derived terms

 * : a variety of persimmon noted for its darker skin and sweeter taste
 * : fine woodwork created using aromatic woods
 * : in the Edo period, a red-light district slang term for money, especially the fee paid to an entertainer or prostitute
 * : a kind of pomade or hair oil made from sesame oil, plant resins, and cloves
 * : in the Edo period, a red-light district slang term for money, especially the fee paid to an entertainer or prostitute
 * : a wooden headrest with a drawer for burning incense
 * : a kind of tin urn or tin-plated box, partially filled with water, over which agarwood incense is placed; used in summer
 * : butterbur stems simmered in soy sauce until dark reddish brown
 * : a wooden headrest with a drawer for burning incense
 * : a flatterer; an amiable or sociable person who is quick to compliment others
 * : a kind of tin urn or tin-plated box, partially filled with water, over which agarwood incense is placed; used in summer
 * : butterbur stems simmered in soy sauce until dark reddish brown
 * : a wooden headrest with a drawer for burning incense
 * : a flatterer; an amiable or sociable person who is quick to compliment others
 * : a flatterer; an amiable or sociable person who is quick to compliment others
 * : a flatterer; an amiable or sociable person who is quick to compliment others

Idioms

 * : “just like a Buddha statue made from agarwood” → agarwood only smells nice when burned, so making a statue out of agarwood is pointless: something or someone of high value, but that turns out to be useless
 * : “to speak incense” → to flatter, to say nice things to flatter or ingratiate someone
 * : “to put gold foil on an agarwood Buddha” → “to put the icing on the cake”: adding something good on top of something that is already good
 * : “not even burning incense, not even passing gas” → neither here nor there, neither good nor bad