楊枝

ようじ
Alternative writings: 楊子, 揚枝
Frequency:

1A toothpick — a small thin stick used mainly for removing food particles from between the teeth.

Noun

Examples

食後に楊枝で歯に挟まった物を取った。

After the meal I used a toothpick to remove something stuck in my teeth.

カフェのテーブルにはいつも楊枝が置いてある。

Toothpicks are always placed on the café tables.

爪楊枝を使うときは人前で音を立てないよう注意しよう。

Be careful not to make noise when using a toothpick in front of others.

2A small skewer used in tea ceremony or for cutting/holding Japanese sweets (wagashi).

Noun

Examples

お菓子を楊枝で切って、少しずついただいた。

I cut the sweet with a skewer and ate it bit by bit.

茶会では楊枝が菓子と一緒に出されることが多い。

At tea gatherings, skewers are often served together with sweets.

3Historically, a toothbrush made by fraying a thin willow branch — an old usage referring to an early tooth-cleaning implement.

Noun

Examples

昔は楊枝を使って歯をこすっていたという記録が残っている。

There are records that people used willow toothpicks to rub their teeth long ago.

Word Relationships

Synonyms