芋(いも)

いも

noun

potato, tuber

food

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.

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

Cultural note

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.

Writing

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

general

Added 2026.2.5 23:29 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

10000/10231_imo