How to Say "Pebbles" in Japanese

小石

koishi[ko̞iɕi]

The English phrase "pebbles" is translated into Japanese as 小石 (koishi).

小石 refers to small, smooth stones typically found in rivers or on beaches.

What does it mean word for word?

The word is composed of the kanji 小 (small) and 石 (stone).

Japanese does not change the form of 小石 to indicate plurality. The word remains the same whether referring to one pebble or multiple pebbles.

koishi

In Japanese folklore, certain 小石 are believed to be shintai, or physical bodies that house a deity. Such stones are often surrounded by a fence of straw rope called shimenawa to mark them as sacred.
Japanese has a specific term, suiseki, for the hobby of collecting and appreciating naturally shaped 小石. This is similar to bonsai and involves choosing stones that look like mountains or islands.
If you are describing the texture of smooth pebbles, you might use the adjective つるつる (tsuru-tsuru), an onomatopoeic word that mimics the sensation of something smooth and slippery.

そこに八つの小石があった。
There were eight pebbles there.
Tatoeba #519714 by blay_paul, translation #519715 by blay_paul
川底に小石がたくさんあります。
kawazoko ni koishi ga takusan arimasu.
There are many pebbles at the bottom of the river.
この小石はとても滑らかです。
kono koishi wa totemo nameraka desu.
These pebbles are very smooth.

Two friends are walking along a riverbank.

結衣 Yui

あそこにきれいな小石があるよ。
asoko ni kirei na koishi ga aru yo.
There are beautiful pebbles over there.
健太 Kenta

本当だ、拾って帰ろうか。
hontou da, hirotte kaerou ka.
You're right, shall we pick some up and take them home?
結衣 Yui

健太君、それ、すごくきれいだよ。
Kenta-kun, sore, sugoku kirei da yo.
Kenta, that one is very beautiful.
健太 Kenta

ありがとう、大切にするよ。
arigatou, taisetsu ni suru yo.
Thanks, I'll treasure it.

Sources

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