The Kanji: 窟 (Kutsu / Iwaya)
The kanji 窟 means "cave," "grotto," or "den." It combines 穴 (hole) with 屈 (bend), depicting a hollow space formed in bending rock formations. This character describes natural or artificial cavities.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 洞窟 (dōkutsu) - Cave
鍾乳洞窟を探検する。
"Explore a limestone cave."
2. 石窟 (sekkutsu) - Rock cave
石窟寺院を訪れる。
"Visit a rock-cut temple."
3. 貧民窟 (hinminkutsu) - Slum
貧民窟の生活環境が劣悪だ。
"Living conditions in slums are poor."
4. 魔窟 (makutsu) - Den of vice
賭博の魔窟を摘発する。
"Raid a gambling den."
In summary, 窟 describes various cavities - from natural formations (洞窟, 石窟) to metaphorical dens of poverty (貧民窟) or vice (魔窟). It carries both geological and sociological meanings in Japanese.