Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for fungus depends on the context: visible mushrooms, mold, yeast, or medical conditions. The most common everyday word is きのこ (mushroom), but for mold or microscopic fungi, カビ is used. In scientific or medical contexts, 真菌 is the formal term.
The learner wants to refer to a mushroom, the fruiting body of a fungus, typically found in forests or used in cooking.
The most common word for mushroom. Used for both wild and cultivated edible mushrooms, as well as in general conversation.
In autumn, many mushrooms grow in the mountains.
Is this mushroom edible?
Katakana form often used in menus, product names, or to give a slightly modern/visual emphasis. Same meaning as きのこ.
I like mushroom pasta.
Kanji form, used in formal or literary contexts, or in traditional restaurant names. Not commonly used in everyday writing.
Would you like to go mushroom hunting?
The learner wants to refer to mold, the fuzzy or powdery fungus that grows on damp surfaces, food, or organic matter.
The standard word for mold or mildew. Used for household mold, food spoilage, and general non-mushroom fungi.
Mold grew on the bread.
I clean the mold in the bathroom.
Kanji form, rarely used in modern writing. Mostly seen in scientific or literary contexts.
The learner wants to refer to yeast or fungi used in fermentation (bread, alcohol, etc.).
The standard word for yeast, especially in baking and brewing. Often used in compounds like 酵母菌 (yeast fungus).
You need yeast to make bread.
Loanword from English 'yeast', commonly used in baking contexts, often on product labels.
The learner wants to refer to a fungal infection (e.g., athlete's foot) or the biological category of fungi.
The formal medical/biological term for fungus. Used for fungal infections (真菌症) and in scientific classification.
Athlete's foot is a type of fungus.
Antifungal drugs are used to treat fungal infections.
General term for bacteria or fungus, often used in compounds. In context, can refer to fungus, but may need clarification.
The learner wants to talk about fungi as a group of organisms, distinct from plants and animals.
きのこ specifically means mushroom. Using it for mold (カビ) or yeast (酵母) will cause confusion. For general fungus, use 真菌 or 菌類 in scientific contexts.
In daily life, Japanese speakers rarely use the word 'fungus' as a broad category. They refer to specific types: きのこ (mushroom), カビ (mold), 酵母 (yeast). Reserve 真菌 for medical or biological discussions.
Mold grows.
イーストをぬるま湯で溶かす。
Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water.
This fungus thrives in humidity.
Fungi include many species.