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.

On its own, which tuber 芋(いも) means 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 2026.10.8 3:51

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