吊(つ)り革(かわ)

つりかわ
noun
hanging strap; strap handle (on train/bus)
1. hanging strap; strap handle on trains and buses
the hanging loops or handles on public transportation that standing passengers hold onto for balance
吊(つ)り革(かわ)につかまって立(た)っていた。
I was standing while holding onto the strap.
電車(でんしゃ)が揺(ゆ)れたので、吊(つ)り革(かわ)をしっかり握(にぎ)った。
The train shook, so I gripped the strap tightly.
背(せ)が低(ひく)くて吊(つ)り革(かわ)に手(て)が届(とど)かない。
I'm too short to reach the hanging strap.

FORMATION:
吊(つ)る (to hang) + 革(かわ) (leather) → hanging leather

Historically, these straps were made of leather, hence the name. Modern ones are often made of plastic or synthetic materials.

VARIATIONS:

  • Triangle-shaped (三角形(さんかくけい)) - traditional style
  • Ring-shaped (輪(わ)っか型(がた)) - common on newer trains
  • Priority seat straps - often a different color

ADVERTISING:
吊(つ)り革(かわ)広告(こうこく) (strap advertising) refers to advertisements placed on or near the straps, a common form of train advertising in Japan.

RELATED TERMS:

  • 手(て)すり (handrail)
  • 立(た)ち客(きゃく) (standing passenger)
  • 座席(ざせき) (seat)
general
Added 2026.1.26 13:23
08000/08351_tsurikawa