物干(ものほ)し竿(ざお)

物干(ものほ)し竿(ざお) is a common household item in Japan where outdoor drying is standard.

Writing

• 物(もの) (thing)
• 干(ほ)す (to dry)
• 竿(さお)→竿(ざお) (pole - rendaku)

Types

• ステンレス製(せい) (stainless steel)
• アルミ製(せい) (aluminum)
• 伸縮(しんしゅく)式(しき) (extendable type)

Cultural note

In Japan, most homes dry laundry outdoors on balconies or in yards using 物干(ものほ)し竿(ざお). Dryers are less common than in Western countries. Trucks selling poles, calling 「たけや、さおだけ」 through a loudspeaker, are a familiar street sound.

Related words

• 物干(ものほ)し台(だい) (laundry drying rack/stand)
• 洗濯(せんたく)物(もの) (laundry)
• 布団(ふとん)干(ほ)し (futon drying)
• ハンガー (hanger)