Translation guide
A composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi species in a mutualistic relationship. Often found on rocks, trees, and soil.
To refer to lichen as a living thing, in everyday or scientific contexts.
The standard biological term for lichens as a group. Used in scientific and educational contexts.
この岩には様々な地衣類が生えている。
Various lichens are growing on this rock.
In everyday language, lichen is often called 'koke' (moss), though scientifically moss is a different organism. This is the most common word a non-specialist would use.
Botanically inaccurate, but widely used for both moss and lichen in daily life.
庭の石に苔がついている。
There's moss/lichen on the garden stone.
A shorter, more technical term for lichen, often used in compound words or academic writing.
地衣類の研究は地衣学と呼ばれる。
The study of lichens is called lichenology.
To refer to particular common lichens by name.
A type of beard lichen (Usnea) that hangs from trees. Well-known and distinctive.
森の中でサルオガセが木の枝から垂れ下がっていた。
In the forest, beard lichen was hanging from the tree branches.
Litmus lichen, historically used to make litmus paper. Recognizable name.
リトマスゴケは酸性かアルカリ性かを調べるのに使われた。
Litmus lichen was used to test for acidity or alkalinity.
Reindeer lichen (Cladonia), often found in arctic regions. Sometimes used in model-making.
ハナゴケはトナカイの餌として知られている。
Reindeer lichen is known as food for reindeer.
To describe lichen growth, color, or use as a dye/indicator.
Pattern for 'lichen grows'. Use 生える for plants/fungi growing on surfaces.
湿った壁に地衣類が生えやすい。
Lichen tends to grow on damp walls.
Lichen pigments, used in traditional dyeing.
地衣類の色素を使って布を染める。
Dye cloth using lichen pigments.
In English, 'moss' and 'lichen' are distinct. In Japanese, 苔 (こけ) covers both in casual use. If you need to be precise, use 地衣類 (ちいるい) for lichen and 蘚苔類 (せんたいるい) for mosses, but these are technical.