Translation guide
Describes lush, new green vegetation, often in spring or early summer. Japanese has several evocative words for this, ranging from general terms to poetic seasonal expressions.
To describe the vibrant green of new leaves, especially in spring or early summer.
The most common and versatile word for 'fresh green' or 'new leaves'. Used for the bright green of spring foliage.
To evoke the beauty of abundant green vegetation, often with a seasonal or literary nuance.
A poetic or literary term for a vivid, jewel-like green. Often used in names or artistic descriptions. Can also be read すい.
新緑 (shinryoku) is the standard term for the fresh green of spring. 若葉 (wakaba) emphasizes the youth of the leaves. 青葉 (aoba) is more general and can refer to any green leaves, often in early summer. For 'fresh verdure' as a concept, 新緑 is the best default.
Walking through a tunnel of fresh green.
The hills are covered with fresh verdure.
山々が新緑に覆われている。
The mountains are covered in fresh verdure.
The season of fresh green has arrived.
Literally 'young leaves'. Emphasizes the newness and tenderness of the foliage. Often used in poetry and everyday language.
It's the season when young leaves are beautiful.
Literally 'green leaves'. Can refer to fresh green leaves, especially in early summer. Slightly more general than 新緑.
The green leaves are dazzling.
Simply 'green' or 'greenery'. Very broad; context must make clear it refers to fresh vegetation.
The greenery after the rain is vivid.
A forest of deep green
A literary word for a deep blue-green, like the sea or lush vegetation. Often used in poetic contexts.
Mountains of deep green
Specifically 'summer green'. Refers to the lush greenery of summer. A seasonal word (kigo) in haiku.
In the season of summer green
若葉が風に揺れている。
The young leaves are swaying in the wind.
There's a scent of green leaves.
While 緑 (midori) simply means 'green', it can be used for 'fresh verdure' when modified by adjectives like 鮮やかな (vivid) or 新緑の (of fresh green). However, 新緑 is more precise.
I love the fresh verdure of May.