also: パウ · ハウ
noun
batons (suit in playing cards)
Refers to the suit of batons (clubs) in traditional Portuguese-style playing cards, used in games like 'karuta' in Japan. Usually written in katakana.
from Portuguese paus
このトランプのパオのエースは特別な絵柄だ。
The ace of batons in this deck has a special design.
ポルトガルのカードでは、パオは棍棒の模様で表される。
In Portuguese cards, the suit of batons is represented by a club-like pattern.
Ateji (phonetic kanji) spelling; rarely used.
In standard Western playing cards, the equivalent suit is clubs (クラブ). パオ is specific to traditional Portuguese-derived decks.
From Portuguese 'paus' (plural of 'pau', meaning stick or club), referring to the suit of batons in traditional playing cards.