1.
drum, Japanese drum, taiko
A percussion instrument consisting of a hollow body covered with a stretched membrane. In Japanese, particularly refers to traditional Japanese drums.
祭りで太鼓の音が響いていた。
The sound of drums echoed at the festival.
和太鼓の演奏を聞いた。
I listened to a taiko drum performance.
和太鼓 = Japanese taiko drums
子供たちが太鼓を叩いて遊んでいる。
The children are playing by beating drums.
CULTURAL NOTE: 太鼓 (taiko) is central to Japanese traditional culture. It's used in:
- 祭り (festivals)
- 能 (Noh theater)
- 神社 (shrine ceremonies)
- Modern taiko ensemble performances
TYPES OF TAIKO:
- 和太鼓 (Japanese taiko - general term for traditional drums)
- 大太鼓 (large drum)
- 締め太鼓 (small rope-tuned drum)
EXPRESSION: 太鼓判を押す = to guarantee, to vouch for (lit. 'to stamp with a big seal')
COMMON VERB: 太鼓を叩く (to beat/play a drum)