Translation and Meaning of: 筒 - tsutsu

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 筒[つつ]. It may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses in everyday Japanese. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is written in kanji, and even tips for memorizing it effectively. Whether for study or out of pure curiosity, understanding 筒[つつ] can enrich your knowledge of the language and Japanese culture.

In addition to the basic meaning, we will see how this word appears in practical contexts and how the Japanese use it in their daily lives. If you already use Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, you know that details like these make all the difference in learning. Shall we begin?

Meaning and usage of 筒 [つつ]

The word 筒[つつ] basically means "tube" or "cylinder" in Japanese. It is used to describe hollow and elongated objects, such as straws, test tubes, or even certain types of containers. Its use is quite straightforward and appears in everyday situations, such as in assembly instructions or object descriptions.

It is important to highlight that 筒[つつ] is not limited to just small items. In some contexts, it can refer to larger structures, such as pipes or cylindrical parts of buildings. This flexibility makes the word useful in different scenarios, from informal conversations to technical texts.

The origin and writing of the kanji 筒

The kanji 筒 is composed of two main elements: the radical ⺮ (take), which represents bamboo, and the part 同, which suggests an idea of "equal" or "similar." This combination makes historical sense, as many ancient tubes in Japan were made of bamboo. The radical ⺮ appears in various other words related to elongated objects or made of this material.

Although kanji may seem complex, its structure is logical when we understand its origin. The pronunciation つつ (tsutsu) is a kun'yomi reading, that is, the native Japanese form of the word. In compounds, the same kanji can be read as "tō" (as in 筒先[つつさき], which means "mouth of the pipe").

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember the meaning of 筒[つつ] is to associate it with common cylindrical objects. Think of a straw (ストロー) or a cardboard tube – both are perfect examples of what this word describes. Another tip is to notice the bamboo radical (⺮) in the kanji, which refers to the elongated shape of this plant.

Interestingly, 筒[つつ] appears in specific terms such as 花筒[はなつつ] (flower vase) or 砲筒[ほうとう] (cannon). These examples show how the idea of "tube" extends to different contexts. In Japanese culture, traditional cylindrical objects, such as bamboo containers, also reinforce the presence of this word in daily imagination.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 筒管 (Tsuukan) - Tubular pipe
• チューブ (Chuubu) - Tube, flexible hose
• パイプ (Paipu) - Pipe, rigid tube
• ホース (Hōsu) - Flexible tube, hose
• 管 (Kan) - Generic tubular structure
• 管状 (Kanjou) - Tubular form
• 管状のもの (Kanjou no mono) - Tube-shaped objects
• 管状の器具 (Kanjou no kigu) - Tube-shaped equipment
• 管状の部分 (Kanjou no bubun) - Tubular part
• 管状の形状 (Kanjou no keijou) - Tube shape
• 管状の道具 (Kanjou no dougu) - Tubular tools

筒

Romaji: tsutsu
Kana: つつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: tube

Meaning in English: pipe;tube

Definition: A cylindrical.

Example Sentences - (筒) tsutsu

See below some example sentences:

この封筒には大切な手紙が入っています。

Kono fuutou ni wa taisetsu na tegami ga haitteimasu

This envelope contains an important letter.

• この - this
• 封筒 - envelope
• に - in
• は - is
• 大切な - important
• 手紙 - letter
• が - (subject particle)
• 入っています - it's inside

私は毎日水筒を持っています。

Watashi wa mainichi suidō o motte imasu

I carry a water bottle every day.

I have a bottle of water every day.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
• 水筒 (suito) - The translation for "garrafa de água" is "water bottle".
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 持っています (motteimasu) - verb that means "have" or "carry" in the affirmative present