Japanese word

杖

Pronunciation

Romajitsue

Meaning

  • nouncane

Example

祖父は杖を使います。so fu wa tsue o tsuka i ma su

My grandfather uses a cane.

Illustration for 杖 (cane)

More examples

山道では、杖をついて歩きます。san dō de wa tsue o tsu i te aru ki ma su

On mountain paths, I walk with a cane.

Core concept

It presents a simple walking aid held in the hand to provide balance and support.

Common phrases

  • 杖を使うtsue o tsuka u

    use a cane

  • 杖をつくtsue o tsu ku

    walk with a cane

Similar words

ステッキsutekki: A walking stick often used as a personal accessory as well as for support.

Definition in Japanese

歩くときに体を支えるため手に持つ棒。aru ku to ki ni karada o sasa e ru ta me te ni mo tsu bō

Word origin

つえ (tsue, "cane") is a native Japanese word rather than a borrowing, while 杖 (jō, "staff") is its standard kanji spelling; its deeper origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, cane can mean either a walking aid or the jointed stem of a plant, so context separates the two senses.

Word lists with this word