bamboo grass; small bamboo
Refers to small, running bamboo species (genus Sasa and similar) that do not shed their leaf sheaths; common in Japanese gardens, forests, and as a motif.
Bamboo grass is growing thickly in the corner of the garden.
Chimaki rice dumplings are made by wrapping them in bamboo-grass leaves.
For Tanabata, we decorate bamboo grass leaves with strips of paper on which we write wishes.
For Tanabata, people write wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo grass.
竹 is the general word for bamboo, including tall timber species, while 笹 refers specifically to small, low-growing bamboo grass.
field of bamboo grass
dwarf bamboo (western Japan varieties)
kuma bamboo grass; Veitch's bamboo
lucky bamboo branch
small bamboo; bamboo grass
toy bamboo-leaf boat
bamboo grass thicket
bamboo grass; bamboo
Maianthemum japonicum; Japanese false Solomon's seal
cutting into thin shavings; shavings
Standard kanji spelling; high frequency in news and general use.
Katakana spelling used in botanical or field-guide contexts, or for emphasis.
Rarely used kanji form.
Rarely used kanji form.
The native word ささ is of uncertain origin. 笹 is a Japanese-created character used to write it.
striated heron; green-backed heron