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.
割り箸をつけてください。
Please include disposable chopsticks.
割り箸を割るのが下手だ。
I'm bad at splitting disposable chopsticks.
環境のために割り箸を使わないようにしている。
I try not to use disposable chopsticks for environmental reasons.
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.
RELATED TERMS:
- お箸: chopsticks (polite)
- マイ箸: personal reusable chopsticks
- 箸置き: chopstick rest