松
matsu[ma̠t͡sɨ]
The Japanese word for pine is 松, pronounced matsu. Wiktionary also lists ゴヨウ (goyō).
Meaning: tree of the genus Pinus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 松 | matsu | [ma̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| ゴヨウ | goyō |
松 refers to a tree of the genus Pinus. In botanical contexts, you will often see the phrase 松の木 (matsu no ki) used to specifically refer to the pine tree itself. The phrase 松の色 (matsu no iro) is used to describe the color associated with pine trees.
What does it mean word for word?
When using the phrase 松の木, the word 松 means pine and 木 means tree.
Which one should you use?
松 is the standard term for pine, while ゴヨウ (goyō) is another way to refer to a pine.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 松の木 is a common way to specify a pine tree by combining 松 (pine) with 木 (tree).
How do you pronounce it?
matsu
When do people say it?
In Japanese culture, the pine tree is a symbol of longevity and is frequently used in New Year's decorations.
Did you know?
- In some linguistic theories, the name 松 is thought to be related to the word for 'eyelashes', or 睫毛, because the appearance of the pine needles resembles them.
- In the traditional art of Japanese gardening, pines are often meticulously pruned into specific shapes using a technique called 'niwaki' to evoke the appearance of ancient, wind-swept trees.
- Traditional Japanese aesthetics link 松 to the concept of permanence. Because they are evergreens, they are often paired with bamboo and plum blossoms to form the 'Three Friends of Winter'.
Examples in context
- それは松の木です。That's a pine tree.This sentence is useful for identifying a pine tree using 松.Tatoeba #7947503 by Ninja, translation #7946003 by CK
- 松の木を植えたんだよ。I planted a pine tree.This sentence is useful for describing the action of planting a pine tree using 松.Tatoeba #10614947 by small_snow, translation #7815038 by AlanF_US
- 松かさが、トムの頭上に落ちました。A pine cone fell on Tom's head.This sentence is useful for describing a pine cone falling using 松.Tatoeba #10498887 by small_snow, translation #6611176 by Eccles17
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are walking through a park in winter.
- 結衣 Yuiあの松はとても大きいですね。Ano matsu wa totemo ookii desu ne.That pine tree is very large, isn't it?
- 蓮 Ren本当ですね。とても綺麗です。Hontou desu ne. Totemo kirei desu.It really is. It's very beautiful.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんは松が好きですか？Ren-san wa matsu ga suki desu ka?Ren, do you like pine trees?
- 蓮 Renはい、大好きです。Hai, daisuki desu.Yes, I love them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pine” translations and entries 松, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 松, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
