Translation guide
A traditional Japanese smoking pipe with a small metal bowl and a long stem, used for smoking finely shredded tobacco (kizami).
Referring to the physical object: a traditional Japanese smoking pipe.
The standard word for the traditional Japanese smoking pipe. Often written in hiragana as きせる.
My grandfather treasures his old kiseru.
This kiseru is from the Edo period.
A general loanword for 'pipe' (smoking). Use this if you are not specifically referring to the traditional Japanese style, or if the context is modern/Western.
He has a pipe in his mouth.
Describing the action of smoking using a kiseru.
Literally 'to smoke with a kiseru'. The verb 吸う (すう) is used for smoking.
He quietly smoked tobacco with his kiseru.
A common phrase meaning 'to take a smoke' or 'to have a puff', often associated with kiseru or traditional smoking. It can also mean taking a short break.
Let's have a smoke on the veranda.
Discussing the kiseru in the context of Japanese culture, history, or as a collectible.
Same word, but used in cultural/historical contexts. Often appears in discussions of Edo-period customs, kabuki, or as an antique.
The kiseru is one of Japan's traditional crafts.
Referring to the slang meaning of 'kiseru' as a bribe or illicit payment, derived from the idea of 'smoking' money.
Slang for a bribe or kickback, especially in political or business contexts. This usage is dated and not common in modern conversation.
This meaning is very context-specific and may not be understood by all speakers. Use only when you are sure of the context.
That politician is suspected of taking a bribe.
The word is usually written in hiragana (きせる) in modern texts, but the kanji 煙管 is also used, especially in formal or historical contexts. The reading is always きせる.
A kiseru (煙管) is specifically the traditional Japanese pipe with a metal bowl and long stem. For a Western-style tobacco pipe, use パイプ (paipu). If you are unsure, パイプ is safer for general 'pipe'.