Translation guide
The English word 'grass' can refer to the plant, a lawn, or slang for marijuana. In Japanese, the most common word is 草 (kusa), but other terms exist for specific contexts like lawns, weeds, or slang.
Referring to grass as a type of plant, including wild grass, grass in nature, or the general concept.
The most common and general word for grass. Can refer to any kind of grass, including weeds and wild grass.
Grass is growing in the garden.
I sat on the grass.
Refers specifically to turf grass or lawn grass, often used for manicured lawns or sports fields.
Means 'weed' or 'weeds', specifically unwanted grass or plants. Use when emphasizing that the grass is a nuisance.
Referring to a maintained area of grass, like a lawn, yard, or park.
The standard word for a lawn or grassy area, especially one that is maintained.
We had a picnic on the grass in the park.
I water the lawn.
Means 'grassland' or 'meadow', often used for larger natural grassy areas rather than a small lawn.
Using 'grass' as slang for marijuana.
The most common loanword for marijuana. Neutral and widely understood.
He is smoking grass.
The formal/legal term for cannabis. Used in news or official contexts.
Japanese internet slang for marijuana, derived from the English slang 'grass'. Also used to mean 'lol' (from www looking like grass). Context-dependent.
Can be confused with the normal meaning of 'grass' or the internet slang for laughter. Use only in very informal online contexts.
草 (kusa) is the general word for grass, including weeds. 芝 (shiba) refers to turf grass, the type used for lawns. 芝生 (shibafu) means a lawn or grassy area. Use 草 for grass in nature, 芝生 for a maintained lawn.
The Japanese word 草 (kusa) is also internet slang for 'lol' (because 'www' looks like grass). In some contexts, it can mean marijuana. Be careful with context to avoid misunderstanding.
I lay down on the lawn.
庭の雑草を抜いた。
I pulled the weeds in the garden.
Cows are eating grass in the meadow.
Cannabis Control Act
草を吸う
smoke weed