Translation guide
The word 'maple' refers to the tree, its wood, or the flavor. In Japanese, the most common word is カエデ, but モミジ is also used, especially for ornamental varieties with red leaves. The distinction can be subtle.
Referring to the maple tree as a plant, in botanical or everyday contexts.
The general term for maple trees. Often written in katakana, but can also be written as 楓 in kanji.
庭にカエデの木を植えました。
I planted a maple tree in my garden.
Often refers to maple trees with deeply lobed leaves that turn red in autumn, but can be used broadly for maples. Commonly written as 紅葉.
秋になるとモミジがきれいです。
In autumn, the maples are beautiful.
Referring to maple wood, used in furniture, flooring, or crafts.
Literally 'maple material'. Used for the wood.
このテーブルはカエデ材でできています。
This table is made of maple wood.
Loanword from English, often used in product names or when emphasizing the Western style.
メープルの家具が好きです。
I like maple furniture.
Referring to maple flavor, especially maple syrup.
The standard term for maple syrup.
パンケーキにメープルシロップをかけます。
I put maple syrup on pancakes.
Means 'maple flavor'. Used for snacks, drinks, etc.
メープル味のクッキーが好きです。
I like maple-flavored cookies.
Referring to the colorful autumn leaves, often associated with maples.
Means 'autumn leaves' or 'changing colors'. Can refer to the leaves themselves or the phenomenon. Often implies maple leaves.
京都へ紅葉を見に行きました。
I went to Kyoto to see the autumn leaves.
Also used for the autumn leaves, especially when referring to the maple leaves themselves.
カエデ is the broader botanical term for maples. モミジ often refers to ornamental varieties with deeply cut leaves that turn red, but in everyday speech, モミジ is very common for any maple with beautiful autumn color. If you're unsure, カエデ is safe for the tree, モミジ for the autumn leaves.
The maple leaves turned bright red.