Translation guide
A large rock, typically one that has been rounded by natural processes. In Japanese, the most common word is 岩 (iwa), but to emphasize size, you can use 巨石 (kyoseki) or 大岩 (ōiwa). For specific contexts like climbing, ボルダー (borudā) is used.
Referring to a large, natural rock, often rounded, found in nature or used in landscaping.
The most common word for 'rock' or 'boulder'. It can refer to rocks of various sizes, but context usually makes it clear if it's large.
A large boulder was blocking the road.
I placed a boulder in the garden.
Literally 'giant rock', this explicitly means a very large rock or boulder. More formal or literary.
That boulder is part of an ancient ruin.
A compound meaning 'big rock'. Common in everyday speech when you want to emphasize size.
Let's try climbing that boulder.
A more technical term for 'rock' in general, often used in geology. Can refer to boulders in scientific contexts.
There are many huge boulders in this area.
Specifically referring to a boulder used in bouldering, a form of rock climbing.
Loanword from English, used almost exclusively in the context of bouldering. Refers to the climbing problem or the rock itself.
This boulder is high in difficulty.
In climbing contexts, 岩 can also mean boulder, especially when referring to outdoor natural boulders.
Using 'boulder' metaphorically to describe something large, heavy, or immovable.
Means 'like a boulder/rock', used to describe something massive, solid, or unyielding.
He is a man like a boulder (solid and dependable).
A boulder-like silence continued.
岩 (iwa) generally refers to larger rocks or boulders, while 石 (ishi) refers to smaller stones or pebbles. If you can hold it in one hand, it's probably 石; if it's too large to lift, it's 岩.
A stone was lying on the road.
A boulder was lying on the road.
大岩 (ōiwa) is more colloquial and commonly used in everyday speech, while 巨石 (kyoseki) sounds more formal or literary. For most situations, 大きな岩 (ōkina iwa) is perfectly natural.
I tried a new boulder at the gym.
外岩でボルダリングをする。
I go bouldering on outdoor boulders.