Translation guide
The English word 'bamboo' refers to the plant, its material, and related cultural items. In Japanese, the most common and general word is 竹 (たけ). This guide covers the plant, bamboo shoots as food, bamboo as a material, and common cultural references.
bamboo (plant/material)
bamboo shoot (food)
Referring to bamboo as a plant, in nature, or in general terms.
The standard word for bamboo. Used for the plant itself, bamboo groves, and general references.
Bamboo is growing in the garden.
I took a walk through the bamboo grove.
Referring to the edible young shoot of bamboo, commonly used in Japanese cuisine.
Referring to bamboo used for making objects, furniture, or building materials.
Same word as the plant, but context makes it clear it's the material. Often used in compounds.
Referring to bamboo used in traditional Japanese festivals or decorations.
Used in specific cultural phrases. For Tanabata, the phrase is 七夕の竹 (たなばたのたけ).
In English, 'bamboo' can sometimes refer to smaller bamboo-like grasses. In Japanese, 竹 (たけ) is generally larger bamboo, while 笹 (ささ) refers to smaller bamboo grass. If you mean the small leafy plant often found in gardens or used for decoration, use 笹.
Spring is the season for bamboo shoots.
I made bamboo shoot rice.
竹でかごを編む。
Weave a basket from bamboo.
Bamboo furniture looks cool and refreshing.
Specifically refers to bamboo as a material or timber. More technical/formal.
Bamboo material is also used in construction.
We hang strips of paper with wishes written on them on bamboo for Tanabata.
New Year's decoration made of pine and bamboo. The bamboo part is central.
We put up kadomatsu (pine and bamboo decorations) for New Year's.