きのこ
kinoko
The Japanese word for mushroom is きのこ (kinoko).
The term refers to the fruiting body of a fungus.
Meaning: fruiting body of a fungus (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the default form is the hiragana きのこ, the word is also frequently written in katakana as キノコ in scientific, culinary or general contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
kinoko
When do people say it?
In Japan, there is a famous, long-running cultural debate regarding whether the popular chocolate snacks きのこの山 (Mushroom Mountain) or たけのこの里 (Bamboo Shoot Village) are superior.
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese art and folklore, the まつたけ (matsutake) mushroom is highly prized and can sell for hundreds of dollars per kilogram. Its scent is often described as 'spicy' or 'pine-like' and is a symbol of autumn luxury.
- The term きのこ is sometimes used colloquially to describe a 'mushroom cut' hairstyle, where the hair is cut in a straight, bowl-like shape around the head.
- Japanese has a specific word, きのこ狩り (kinoko-gari), which means 'mushroom hunting'. This is a popular seasonal hobby and social activity for families and couples during the autumn months.
Examples in context
- これは、食用きのこです。This is an edible mushroom.This sentence is useful for identifying an edible きのこ.Tatoeba #11839616 by small_snow, translation #10777131 by ddnktr
- このきのこは食べられないんだ。This mushroom is not good to eat.This sentence is useful for stating that a particular きのこ is not good to eat.Tatoeba #223866 by bunbuku, translation #61203 by CK
- 「きのこの山」と「たけのこの里」どっちが好き？Which confectionary do you prefer, "Mushroom Mountain" or "Bamboo Village"?This sentence illustrates the cultural debate involving the snack きのこ.Tatoeba #9638009 by small_snow, translation #9987521 by tsp_2
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are grocery shopping together.
- 陽太 Yotaこのきのこはおいしそうだよ。Kono kinoko wa oishisou dayo.These mushrooms look delicious.
- 美咲 Misaki本当だね。いくつ買おうか？Hontou dane. Ikutsu kaou ka?You're right. How many should we buy?
- 陽太 Yotaパスタに使うから、二つでいいよ。Pasuta ni tsukau kara, futatsu de ii yo.Two are enough, since we're using them for pasta.
- 美咲 Misakiわかった。カゴに入れるね。Wakatta. Kago ni ireru ne.Got it. I'll put them in the basket.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry きのこ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
