西洋柊
seiyōhiiragi[se̞ːjo̞ː çiːɾa̠ɡʲi]
In Japanese, 'holly' can be expressed as 西洋柊 (seiyōhiiragi). Wiktionary also lists 犬黄楊 (inutsuge) and 黐の木 (mochinoki).
Meaning: any of various shrubs or small trees of the genus Ilex (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 西洋柊 | seiyōhiiragi | [se̞ːjo̞ː çiːɾa̠ɡʲi] (narrow) |
| 犬黄楊 | inutsuge | [inɯ̟t͡sɨɡe̞] (narrow) |
| 黐の木 | mochinoki |
The term is used to refer to shrubs or small trees of the genus Ilex.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 西洋柊 (seiyōhiiragi) literally means 'Western holly'. It is composed of 西洋 (seiyō), meaning 'Western' and 柊 (hiiragi), meaning 'holly'.
Which one should you use?
The term 西洋柊 (seiyōhiiragi) specifically refers to Western varieties of holly. In contrast, the shorter term 柊 (hiiragi) is used for native Japanese holly species. Additionally, the borrowed English word ホリー (horī) can be used when discussing holly in the context of Christmas decorations or festive traditions.
How do you pronounce it?
seiyōhiiragi
Did you know?
- In the term 犬黄楊 (inu tsuge), the first character 犬 (inu) means 'dog'. This name is not related to canine biology but is a specific name for a variety of boxwood that looks like holly.
- The word 柊 (hiiragi) is often associated with warding off evil spirits in Japanese tradition. It is a common custom to hang the leaves of the 柊 plant at doorways during the New Year to protect the household.
- The Japanese word 柊 (hiiragi) is often used in poetry to evoke the image of winter and the resilience of nature against the cold.
Examples in context
- 庭に西洋柊が植えてあります。Niwa ni seiyoushi ga uete arimasu.A holly is planted in the garden.
- この西洋柊はとても丈夫ですね。Kono seiyoushi wa totemo joubu desu ne.This holly is very hardy, isn't it?
- 西洋柊の葉は鋭いです。Seiyoushi no ha wa surudoi desu.The leaves of the holly are sharp.
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are decorating for Christmas.
- 結衣 Yuiこの西洋柊の枝を使いましょう。kono seiyōshū no eda o tsukaimashō.Let's use these holly branches.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいですね。赤色がきれいです。ii desu ne. akairo ga kirei desu.That's a good idea. The red color is beautiful.
- 結衣 Yuiリボンと一緒に飾りましょうか。ribon to issho ni kazarimashō ka.Shall we decorate them with a ribbon?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、そうしましょう。hai, sō shimashō.Yes, let's do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “holly” translations and entries 西洋柊, 犬黄楊, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
