Translation guide
The English word 'cane' can refer to a walking stick, a material (like rattan), a punishment tool, or a plant stem. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
A stick used to assist walking, especially by elderly or injured people.
General term for a walking stick or cane. Can be used for both medical and fashion purposes.
祖父は杖をついて歩いている。
My grandfather walks with a cane.
He needed a cane after his injury.
Often implies a fashionable or dress cane, not necessarily for medical use. Can also refer to a walking stick used for hiking.
He carries a cane to match his suit.
Hiragana form of 杖, used in casual writing or for children.
Grandpa can't walk without his cane.
The material from plants like rattan or bamboo, used for making furniture or baskets.
A stick used for hitting as punishment, especially in school settings.
General term for a whip or rod used for punishment. Can be used for caning.
In old schools, students were sometimes caned.
Kanji form of むち, more formal or literary.
Corporal punishment in general, not specifically a cane. Often used in educational contexts.
The long, jointed stem of plants like sugar cane or bamboo.
杖 (つえ) is the general term for a walking cane, often medical. ステッキ implies a fashionable or dress cane. Using ステッキ for a medical cane may sound odd.
I borrowed a cane at the hospital.
Weave a bamboo basket.
Punishment by caning.
体罰は禁止されている。
Corporal punishment is prohibited.
Sugar cane field.