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.
lichen (general)
Scientific term; in daily conversation, 苔 (こけ) is often used.
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.
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.
There's moss/lichen on the garden stone.
A shorter, more technical term for lichen, often used in compound words or academic writing.
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.
In the forest, beard lichen was hanging from the tree branches.
Litmus lichen, historically used to make litmus paper. Recognizable name.
Reindeer lichen (Cladonia), often found in arctic regions. Sometimes used in model-making.
Reindeer lichen is known as food for reindeer.
To describe lichen growth, color, or use as a dye/indicator.
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.
Litmus lichen was used to test for acidity or alkalinity.
Dye cloth using lichen pigments.