bamboo

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 竹 has 6 strokes and denotes bamboo.
• Basic usage: 竹 is read たけ, and 竹刀 is read しない.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Bamboo and a practice tool
  • 竹を細く割って describes splitting bamboo into thin strips.
  • 竹刀 is a practice sword made from bamboo.
  • 竹刀を構えた means taking a stance with a bamboo sword.