1.
disposable chopsticks; wooden chopsticks
Single-use chopsticks made of wood or bamboo that come joined together and need to be split apart before use.
割り箸 literally means "chopsticks you split apart" (割る = to split). They are the standard single-use chopsticks provided at convenience stores, takeout restaurants, and food stalls in Japan.
Etymology
From 割る (to split) + 箸 (chopsticks). The two sticks come connected and must be pulled apart before use.
Common collocations
- 割り箸を割る (to split disposable chopsticks)
- 割り箸を使う (to use disposable chopsticks)
- 割り箸入れ (chopstick holder/dispenser)
Cultural note
Environmental concerns have led to a マイ箸 ("my chopsticks") movement, where people carry their own reusable chopsticks. Some convenience stores now ask if you need 割り箸 rather than including them automatically.