How to say "rod" in Japanese

• 棒ぼうJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe general word for a long, rigid, slender object — a stick, pole, baton or plain rod. Use it when you simply mean a rod-shaped bar of wood or metal, with no special implement in mind.
  この棒ぼうは先さきがとがっている。↗

  This pole is sharp at the end.
• 竿さおJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounA long, slender rod or pole used as an implement — a fishing rod is the classic example. It suggests a thin shaft you hold and work with rather than a plain stick.
• ロッドCommon
  nounThe katakana loanword, used where the English term itself is current, notably a fishing rod in angling and rods in technical fields; for an everyday stick or pole a native word is the natural choice.
  右手みぎてには、いかにも、「魔法まほう少女しょうじょアイテムです」と言いわんばかりの怪あやしげなロッドが握にぎられていた。↗

  In her right hand was gripped a suspicious looking rod that practically radiated "I'm a magical girl item".

Choose 棒 for a plain stick, pole or rod-shaped object in general use, 竿 for a long slender rod used as an implement such as a fishing rod, and 「ロッド」, the katakana loanword, in angling and technical contexts.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 棒ぼうpole
• 竿さおrod
• ロッドrod
• 桿状体かんじょうたいrod (cell)
• 桿体かんたいrod (cell)
• 桿体細胞かんたいさいぼうrod cell
• ポールpole (unit of length or area)
• むちstick