umbrella

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 傘 means an umbrella and is read かさ as an independent word.
• Basic usage: 日傘(ひがさ) is a parasol used for shade. In this word, 傘 is pronounced がさ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Carrying and using
  • 傘を持って出かけた means taking an umbrella along, while 日傘を差した means putting up a parasol. 持つ and 差す focus on different actions.