noun
cord for tucking up kimono sleeves
A traditional cord used to tie back the sleeves of a kimono, often crossing at the back and over the shoulders. The word is usually written in kana.
着物を着るときは、たすきをかけて袖をまくる。
When wearing a kimono, you put on a tasuki cord and tuck up the sleeves.
noun
sash worn over the shoulder to the opposite hip
A sash or band worn diagonally across the body, often for carrying something or as part of a uniform or ceremonial outfit.
彼女はたすきを肩から斜めにかけて、小物を入れていた。
She wore a sash diagonally over her shoulder and put small items in it.
noun
obi strip on a book or CD
A paper strip wrapped around a book, CD, or similar product, containing promotional information or a blurb. Often called 帯 (obi) in this context; たすき is a less common synonym.
See also: 帯
新刊の本にたすきがかかっていて、推薦文が書いてある。
The new book has an obi strip on it with a recommendation written on it.
帯 (obi) is the common word for the paper strip on books/CDs; たすき is a less frequent synonym for that sense. 帯 also refers to the wide sash worn with kimono, while たすき is specifically a cord for tucking up sleeves.
The origin is uncertain. The word is native Japanese and has been used since the Heian period for the cord used to tie up sleeves.