柿
kaki[ka̠kʲi]
The English word "persimmon" is translated into Japanese as 柿 (kaki). Wiktionary also lists パーシモン (pāshimon).
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 柿 | kaki | [ka̠kʲi] (narrow) |
| パーシモン | pāshimon |
The term 柿 refers to the persimmon fruit. While 柿 can be used generally to refer to the tree, you can be more specific when talking about the plant itself.
Which one should you use?
There are two ways to refer to the fruit: the Japanese word 柿 and the transliterated version パーシモン.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify a "persimmon tree", you can add the particle の and the word 木 (tree) to the noun to form 柿の木.
How do you pronounce it?
kaki
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, it is common to see 柿 left to dry in the air to create 干し柿, or dried persimmons, which are a traditional autumn treat.
- One theory suggests the name 柿 comes from the classical word 'kataki', meaning 'hard', describing the texture of the fruit before it ripens.
- The exact origin of 柿 is a mystery among linguists, as there is no consensus on whether it refers to the fruit's color, its hardness, or its shine.
Examples in context
- 最後に柿を食べたのっていつ？When was the last time that you ate a persimmon?This sentence is useful for asking when someone last ate the fruit 柿.Tatoeba #9712423 by bunbuku, translation #7508941 by CK
- 近所の家の多くに柿の木があるんです。Many of my neighbors have persimmon trees.This sentence is useful for mentioning the presence of the tree 柿 in a neighborhood.Tatoeba #9712422 by bunbuku, translation #6555159 by CK
- この柿はとても甘いです。Kono kaki wa totemo amai desu.This persimmon is very sweet.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Himari and Ren are at a fruit market.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さん、柿を買いませんか？Ren-san, kaki o kaimasen ka?Ren, shall we buy some persimmons?
- 蓮 Renいいですね。柿が好きです。Ii desu ne. Kaki ga suki desu.That sounds good. I like persimmons.
- 陽葵 Himariこの柿が一番新鮮そうですよ。Kono kaki ga ichiban shinsensou desu yo.These persimmons look the freshest.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、これを買いましょう。Jaa, kore o kaimashou.Then, let's buy these.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “persimmon” translations and entries 柿, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 柿, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
