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。
'Childhood stilt friend' means 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 2026.1.19 21:17
06500/06557_takeuma