杖

• Reading: つえ
• Romaji: tsue
• Kanji breakdown: 杖 (tsue/jou) — cane, staff; composed of 木 (tree/wood) + 丈 (measure/strong)
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.e/

Meaning

A cane; a walking stick or staff used for support when walking.

A noun referring to any stick used for walking support. Includes modern walking canes for the elderly or injured, traditional wooden staffs, and even fantasy/historical wands and sceptres. In Japanese culture, the 杖 has symbolic significance in Buddhism (the monk's staff) and traditional performing arts.

Examples

1. 祖父は杖をついてゆっくり散歩している。 My grandfather walks slowly with the help of a cane.
2. 足を骨折して、しばらく杖が必要になった。 I broke my leg and needed a cane for a while.
3. 登山用の杖があると山道が楽になる。 Having a trekking pole makes mountain trails a lot easier.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, healthcare, hiking, elderly care

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A native Japanese word (wago) with ancient roots. The kanji 杖 consists of 木 (ki, wood/tree) and 丈 (jou, measure/strong), literally 'a strong piece of wood' — reflecting the original material and purpose of the object.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal