木
ki[kʲi]
The Japanese word for tree is 木 (ki). If unsure, use 木. Wiktionary also lists 樹木 (jumoku).
Meaning: large woody plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 木 | ki | [kʲi] (narrow) [ko̞] (narrow) |
| 樹木 | jumoku | [d͡ʑɨmo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
木 is the standard way to refer to a large woody plant. When you want to specify a particular type of tree, such as a lemon tree, you can append 木 to the name of the plant, as seen in the phrase レモンの木.
Which one should you use?
木 is the common, everyday term used in standard conversation. In contrast, 樹木 is a more formal or technical term typically used in botanical descriptions or official contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
木 is a noun that does not change its form to indicate plurality. The number of trees is determined by the context of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
ki
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, the 'sacred tree' 御神木 is often wrapped in a shimenawa straw rope to mark it as a dwelling for a deity.
- When counting trees, Japanese uses the specific counter 本 instead of general counting words.
- The written character for tree, 木, is a pictograph that resembles the shape of a tree with its trunk and branches.
Examples in context
- 木が倒れた。The tree fell down.This sentence illustrates the use of 木 when describing a tree falling.Tatoeba #80143 by bunbuku, translation #323574 by CK
- レモンの木だ。It's a lemon tree.This sentence shows how to specify a type of tree by appending 木 to the name.Tatoeba #1614531 by Meow, translation #12586347 by CK
- あれは木です。That's a tree.This sentence demonstrates a basic identification of a tree using 木.Tatoeba #3174112 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #1098425 by cntrational
- 231 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are walking in a park.
- 健太 Kentaあの大きな木は何ですか？Ano ookina ki wa nan desu ka?What is that large tree?
- 結衣 Yui桜の木ですよ。Sakura no ki desu yo.It is a cherry blossom tree.
- 健太 Kentaとても綺麗ですね。Totemo kirei desu ne.It is very beautiful.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、大好きです。Hai, daisuki desu.Yes, I love it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tree” translations and entries 木, 樹木, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
