Translation guide
A traditional Japanese smoking pipe with a small metal bowl and a long stem, used for smoking finely shredded tobacco (kizami).
kiseru (traditional Japanese smoking pipe)
Most common and direct translation.
Referring to the physical object: a traditional Japanese smoking pipe.
The standard word for the traditional Japanese smoking pipe. Often written in hiragana as .
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'.