竹馬(たけうま)

Etymology

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

Common expressions

• 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

Cultural note

• 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 WORDS (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)

Common 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)