How to Say "Stone" in Japanese

石

ishi[iɕi]

The Japanese word for stone is 石 (ishi).

石 is used to refer to a small piece of stone. When you want to describe something that is constructed of stone, you can use the adjective 石製.

Meaning: small piece of stone (noun)

Which one should you use?

While 石 refers to a small stone or pebble, the word 岩 is used for larger rocks or boulders.

In Japanese, the word 石 is used in the term 石鹸 for 'soap', because early soap was made using alkaline minerals.
The character 石 is not just a noun for stone but is also used as a traditional unit of volume or weight, originally used to measure grain.
Japanese culture has a specific art form called suiseki, which involves the practice of admiring and displaying naturally shaped 石 as miniature landscapes.

点滴石を穿つ。
Constant dripping wears away a stone.
This sentence uses 石 to illustrate the proverb about constant dripping wearing away a stone.
Tatoeba #124942 by KK_kaku_, translation #279051 by shekitten
転石苔むさず。
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
This sentence uses 石 to illustrate the proverb about a rolling stone gathering no moss.
Tatoeba #124950 by KK_kaku_, translation #279026 by CM
橋は石造りだ。
The bridge is made of stone.
This sentence uses 石 to describe a bridge made of stone.
Tatoeba #180117 by wat, translation #18977 by CK
私は美しい石を収集します。
I collect beautiful stones.
この地域では、鉱石や岩石の採掘が盛んです。
Mining of ores and rocks is prosperous in this region.
公園で石ころを拾いました。
I picked up a pebble in the park.
この靴の中に石っころが入っているみたい。
It feels like there's a pebble inside this shoe.
66 more sentences on Tatoeba

Two children are playing in a park.

陽太 Yota

この石、すごくきれいだよ。
Kono ishi, sugoku kirei da yo.
This stone is very beautiful.
陽葵 Himari

本当だ！キラキラしてるね。
Honto da! Kirakira shiteru ne.
You're right! It's sparkling.
陽太 Yota

拾って帰ってもいいかな？
Hirotte kaette mo ii kana?
I wonder if I can pick it up and take it home?
陽葵 Himari

いいと思うよ。
Ii to omou yo.
I think that's fine.

Sources

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