芋(いも)

いも
noun
potato, tuber
1. potato, taro, yam, tuber, root vegetable
A general term for starchy root vegetables. Context usually clarifies which type (さつまいも, じゃがいも, さといも, etc.).
芋(いも)を掘(ほ)る。
Dig up potatoes.
この地域(ちいき)では芋(いも)がたくさん採(と)れる。
A lot of potatoes are harvested in this region.
秋(あき)は芋(いも)が美味(おい)しい季節(きせつ)だ。
Autumn is the season when potatoes are delicious.

芋(いも) is a general term for starchy tubers and root vegetables. On its own, which type it refers to depends on context and region.

COMMON TYPES:

  • じゃがいも: potato
  • さつまいも: sweet potato
  • さといも: taro
  • やまいも / 長芋(ながいも): yam, mountain yam
  • こんにゃくいも: konjac

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 芋(いも)を掘(ほ)る: to dig up potatoes
  • 芋(いも)掘(ほ)り: potato digging (autumn activity for children)
  • 焼(や)き芋(いも): roasted sweet potato (winter street food)
  • 芋(いも)けんぴ: fried sweet potato snack

CULTURE:
焼(や)き芋(いも) (roasted sweet potatoes) are a beloved autumn/winter treat, traditionally sold from trucks that drive through neighborhoods. 芋(いも)掘(ほ)り (potato digging) is a popular autumn outing for kindergartners and families.

KANJI:
Also written as イモ in katakana, especially in compound names for plants.

general
Added 2026.2.5 23:29 · Revised 2026.3.25 13:08
10000/10231_imo