Translation guide
The English word 'greens' can refer to green leafy vegetables, green vegetables in general, or green plants/foliage. This guide focuses on the most common meaning for learners: leafy vegetables eaten as food.
Referring to leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, kale, etc., especially when used in cooking or salads.
General term for green leafy vegetables. Commonly used in cooking contexts.
I'll stir-fry some greens today.
The greens were cheap, so I bought a lot.
Literally 'leaf vegetables'. A bit more formal or categorical, used in nutrition or agriculture contexts.
Eating leafy greens every day is good for your health.
Can refer to green vegetables or fresh greens, but also used in markets for green produce. Slightly old-fashioned or regional.
I bought some greens at the market.
Referring to any green-colored vegetable, not necessarily leafy (e.g., green beans, peas, broccoli).
Referring to green leaves, grass, or vegetation in nature or decoration.
The loanword グリーン (guriin) is mainly used for the color green or in phrases like 'green tea' (グリーンティー), not for leafy vegetables. Saying グリーンを食べる sounds unnatural.
Nutritional term for 'green and yellow vegetables', often used in health guidelines. Includes carrots, pumpkins, etc., not just greens.
Green and yellow vegetables are rich in vitamins.
The fresh greens of the trees are vivid.