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)

Materials

• 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.

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)

Phrase

• 「物干(ものほ)し竿(ざお)はいりませんか」 (famous phrase from traveling salesmen)