竹 馬(たけうま)

たけうま

noun

stilts

1. stilts

A traditional toy consisting of two long poles with footrests, used for walking at an elevated height. Made from bamboo in traditional Japanese style.

竹馬(たけうま)に乗(の)れるようになった。

I learned how to walk on stilts.

運動会(うんどうかい)で竹馬(たけうま)競走(きょうそう)をした。

We had a stilt race at the sports day.

竹馬(たけうま)の友(とも)は幼(おさな)なじみのことだ。

'Takeuma no tomo' refers to a childhood friend.

LITERAL MEANING:

竹(たけ) (bamboo) + 馬(うま) (horse) = "bamboo horse"
Traditionally made from bamboo poles
Modern versions often made from aluminum or plastic

IDIOMS:

竹馬(たけうま)の友(とも) (childhood friend, lit. "stilt friend")

→ Friends from a young age who played together on stilts

TRADITIONAL GAME:

Popular children's activity in Japan
Often used at 運動会(うんどうかい) (school sports festivals)
Requires balance and practice

RELATED TRADITIONAL GAMES:

お手玉(てだま) (beanbag juggling)
けん玉(だま) (cup-and-ball)
独楽(こま) (spinning top)
凧揚(たこあ)げ (kite flying)

COLLOCATIONS:

竹馬(たけうま)に乗(の)る (to walk on stilts)
竹馬(たけうま)で歩(ある)く (to walk on stilts)
竹馬(たけうま)から落(お)ちる (to fall from stilts)

general

Added 2026.1.18 8:56 · Revised 2026.7.20 12:22

06500/06557_takeuma