(たいこ)

たいこ
noun
drum, taiko
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.
(まつ)りで太鼓(たいこ)(おと)(ひび)いていた。
The sound of drums echoed at the festival.
()太鼓(だいこ)演奏(えんそう)()いた。
I listened to a taiko drum performance.
和太鼓 = Japanese taiko drums
子供(こども)たちが太鼓(たいこ)(たた)いて(あそ)んでいる。
The children are playing by beating drums.

CULTURAL NOTE: 太鼓(たいこ) (taiko) is central to Japanese traditional culture. It's used in:

  • (まつ)り (festivals)
  • (のう) (Noh theater)
  • 神社(じんじゃ) (shrine ceremonies)
  • Modern taiko ensemble performances

TYPES OF TAIKO:

  • ()太鼓(だいこ) (Japanese taiko - general term for traditional drums)
  • (おお)太鼓(だいこ) (large drum)
  • ()太鼓(だいこ) (small rope-tuned drum)

EXPRESSION: 太鼓判(たいこばん)()す = to guarantee, to vouch for (lit. 'to stamp with a big seal')

COMMON VERB: 太鼓(たいこ)(たた)く (to beat/play a drum)