also: ちくそう
noun
bamboo spear
A simple spear made from a sharpened bamboo pole. Historically associated with peasant uprisings and improvised weapons.
戦国時代、農民は竹槍で武装した。
During the Warring States period, peasants armed themselves with bamboo spears.
竹槍は簡単に作れる武器だった。
The bamboo spear was a weapon that could be made easily.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling, often used when the second kanji is considered difficult or to aid readability.
槍 is a general term for spear or lance, while 竹槍 specifically refers to a bamboo spear.
Compound of 竹 (bamboo) and 槍 (spear).