竹(たけ)

たけ

noun

bamboo

1. bamboo

A tall grass with hollow stems.

竹(たけ)が風(かぜ)に揺(ゆ)れている。

The bamboo is swaying in the wind.

竹(たけ)で籠(かご)を作(つく)る。

To make a basket from bamboo.

京都(きょうと)の竹林(ちくりん)は観光客(かんこうきゃく)に人気(にんき)がある。

The bamboo groves in Kyoto are popular with tourists.

竹(たけ) refers to bamboo, a plant with deep cultural significance in Japan.

Compounds

竹の子(たけのこ)/筍(たけのこ): bamboo shoot (a popular spring food)
竹林(ちくりん): bamboo grove
竹刀(しない): bamboo sword (used in kendo)
青竹(あおだけ): green/fresh bamboo
竹(たけ)ざお: bamboo pole

Cultural note

One of the "Three Friends of Winter" (松竹梅(しょうちくばい)) along with pine and plum, symbolizing resilience
松竹梅(しょうちくばい) is also used to rank quality levels (top/middle/standard) at restaurants
竹取(たけとり)物語(ものがたり) (The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter) is one of Japan's oldest stories
Used extensively in traditional crafts: baskets, fences, utensils

general

Added 2026.1.9 21:34 · Revised 2026.9.2 11:55

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