When folded, a sensu is used like a sword, a pike, chopsticks, a writing brush, a kiseru (traditional Japanese cigarette pipe), or other things which are long and thin, and when unfolded, the sensu is used like a letter or paper lantern.
刀、槍、箸、筆、キセルなど棒状の物の他に、開いた状態で手紙や提灯に見立てられる。