nose

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 鼻 denotes the nose; its on-reading is び, and its kun-reading is はな.
• Basic usage: Standalone 鼻 refers to the nose, while 鼻先 can mean the tip of the nose or a spot right in front.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 鼻 / 鼻先
  • 鼻: Read as はな, this noun refers to the nose used for smelling or breathing. Example: 花の香りをかぐため、顔を近づけて鼻で息を吸った。
  • 鼻先: Read as はなさき, this word can refer literally to the tip of the nose or to a position directly in front. Example: 猫は鼻先に置かれた魚をじっと見つめた。