Translation and Meaning of: 竹 - take

The Japanese word 竹[たけ] is a simple term, yet full of meaning and presence in Japan's culture. Whether you're learning Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding what this word represents goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday uses, and even how it appears in expressions and cultural contexts. Whether to enrich your vocabulary or to satisfy your curiosity, here at Suki Nihongo you will find the most accurate information about the Japanese language.

Meaning and origin of 竹[たけ]

The word 竹[たけ] means "bamboo." This kanji is composed of strokes that visually represent the shape of bamboo, with its elongated leaves and vertical stems. The origin of the character dates back to ancient China, where bamboo was already a plant of great cultural and practical importance. In Japan, bamboo has become a symbol of resilience and flexibility, characteristics that are reflected in the use of the word in different contexts.

In addition to its literal meaning, 竹 also appears in compound terms, such as 竹刀[しない] (shinai, a bamboo sword used in kendō) or 竹林[ちくりん] (chikurin, bamboo grove). These combinations show how bamboo is rooted not only in the language but also in traditional Japanese practices.

Everyday and cultural use

In daily life, the Japanese use 竹 to refer to both the plant and objects made from it. From kitchen utensils to furniture, bamboo is a versatile and sustainable material. Phrases like "竹でできた箸" (hashida de dekita hashi - chopsticks made of bamboo) are common and demonstrate the integration of this word into practical vocabulary.

Culturally, bamboo holds a special place in the Japanese imagination. It appears in folklore, such as the story of Kaguya-hime (The Princess of the Moon), where a girl is found inside a bamboo stalk. Furthermore, festivals and traditional decorations often use bamboo as a central element, reinforcing its symbolic importance.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An easy way to remember the kanji 竹 is to observe its strokes: the two vertical lines with small "branches" resemble bamboo growing. Another tip is to associate it with compound words you already know, like 竹刀 (shinai), which many martial arts practitioners have heard of.

An interesting fact is that bamboo grows extremely fast, reaching over a meter in just 24 hours in some species. This characteristic makes it seen as a symbol of prosperity and growth in Japan, appearing even in New Year festivals as a wish for good luck.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• たけ (take) - bamboo
• チク (chiku) - Variety of bamboo, usually referring to bamboo plants
• チクノキ (chikunoki) - Bamboo tree
• チクズル (chikuzuru) - Bamboo branch
• チクノハ (chikunoh) - Bamboo leaf
• チクノミ (chikunomi) - Bamboo fruit
• チクノヤ (chikunoya) - Establishment or place where bamboo is cultivated
• チクノユ (chikunoyu) - Water or liquid related to bamboo
• チクノキノハ (chikunokinaha) - Bamboo tree leaf
• チクノキノミ (chikunokinomi) - Fruit of the bamboo tree
• チクノキノヤ (chikunokiya) - Bamboo tree cultivation
• チクノキノユ (chikunokiyu) - Water or liquid from the bamboo tree

竹

Romaji: take
Kana: たけ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: bamboo; middle (of a three-tier classification system)

Meaning in English: bamboo;middle (of a three-tier ranking system)

Definition: Bamboo: General term for tall plants that are part of the bamboo family.

Example Sentences - (竹) take

See below some example sentences:

竹は日本の伝統的な素材です。

Take wa Nihon no dentō-teki na sozai desu

Bamboo is a traditional material in Japan.

Bamboo is a traditional Japanese material.

• 竹 (take) - means "bamboo" in Japanese
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 日本 (nihon) - means "Japan" in Japanese
• の (no) - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 伝統的な (dentōteki na) - adjective meaning "traditional"
• 素材 (sozai) - means "material" in Japanese
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense