杖(つえ)

つえ
noun
walking stick, cane, staff
tool
1. walking stick, cane, staff
A stick or rod used as a support while walking. Includes mobility aids for the elderly or injured, hiking poles, and ceremonial or decorative staffs.
祖父(そふ)は杖(つえ)をついて歩(ある)く。
My grandfather walks with a cane.
登山(とざん)には杖(つえ)があると楽(らく)だ。
Having a walking stick makes mountain climbing easier.
足(あし)を骨折(こっせつ)して、しばらく杖(つえ)なしでは歩(ある)けなかった。
After breaking my leg, I couldn't walk without a cane for a while.

Usage

The most common verb pairing is 杖(つえ)をつく (to use a cane, literally "to poke with a cane"). In figurative usage, 杖(つえ) can refer to something or someone one relies on for support.

Common collocations

  • 杖(つえ)をつく: to walk with a cane
  • 杖(つえ)に頼(たよ)る: to rely on a cane
  • 松葉杖(まつばづえ): crutch(es)

Writing

The kanji 杖(つえ) uses the 木(き) radical (tree/wood), reflecting the traditional material.

Related Words

Related: 棒(ぼう) (stick, pole in general)
Related: 頬杖(ほおづえ)をつく (to rest one's chin on one's hand)
Compare: 竿(さお) (pole)
Related: 魔法(まほう)の杖(つえ) (magic wand)
Compare: スティック (stick)
general
Added 2026.2.22 21:39 · Revised 2026.9.29 1:39
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