森
mori
The Japanese word 森 (mori) means forest.
森 refers to a large area of land covered with many trees. In informal speech, the suffix -chan can be added to the word to create Mori-chan.
What does it mean word for word?
The kanji 森 is composed of three instances of the character 木 (tree), which visually represents a dense collection of trees.
How do you pronounce it?
mori
Did you know?
- Japanese distinguishes between mori (a natural, unplanned forest) and rin (a managed woodland or plantation). While both translate to 'forest' in English, using rin implies human intervention and forestry.
- In Japanese culture, mori often carries a spiritual connotation as a dwelling for kami (gods). Certain forests are designated as 鎮守の森 (chinju no mori), which are sacred groves protecting a Shinto shrine.
- The word mori is likely related to the verb moru, which means 'to heap up'. This suggests that ancient Japanese speakers viewed a forest as a 'heap' of trees when seen from a distance.
Examples in context
- ゲーテの詩「ミニヨン」は日本では森鷗外の名訳で広く愛誦されてきた。Goethe's poem "Mignon" is widely read in Japan in Mori Ogai's excellent translation.Tatoeba #2677340 by tommy_san, translation #2678464 by WestofEden
- この森はとても広いです。Kono mori wa totemo hiroi desu.This forest is very large.
- 森の中で迷子になった。Mori no naka de maigo ni natta.I got lost in the forest.
Example conversation
Two friends are hiking in a local nature park.
- 陽太 Yotaこの森は空気がきれいですね。Kono mori wa kuuki ga kirei desu ne.The air in this forest is clean, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、とても気持ちがいいです。Hai, totemo kimochi ga ii desu.Yes, it feels very good.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんは、森歩きが好きですか？Yui-san wa, mori aruki ga suki desu ka?Yui, do you like forest walking?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、大好きです！Hai, daisuki desu!Yes, I love it!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 森, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
