noun
hoop; metal band
A metal or bamboo hoop used to bind the staves of a barrel, bucket, or similar container. Also used in figurative expressions about restraint.
古い桶の箍が外れてしまった。
The hoop on the old bucket came off.
箍を締めて、桶を修理した。
I tightened the hoop and repaired the bucket.
noun
discipline; self-control; solidarity
Figurative use, often in set phrases like 箍が外れる (to lose self-control) or 箍を締める (to tighten discipline). Describes the mental or social 'hoop' that keeps behavior in check.
酒を飲むと箍が外れて、何を言うかわからない。
When I drink, my self-control slips and I don't know what I might say.
チームの箍
To tighten the team's discipline, we started rigorous training.
Rarely used kanji form.
The origin is uncertain, but the word likely derives from the action of binding or tightening. The kanji 箍 is a 国字 (kokuji) created in Japan to represent this specific object.