Translation guide
A small, smooth stone, often found on beaches or riverbeds. In Japanese, the most common word is 小石 (koishi), but there are also more specific or poetic terms.
The most common, everyday word for a small stone, typically one that has been smoothed by water.
The standard, neutral word for a pebble or small stone. Used in everyday conversation.
The child is collecting pebbles.
There was a pebble on the road.
A casual, slightly colloquial word for a small stone or pebble. Often implies a random, insignificant stone.
We played by throwing pebbles at the riverbank.
Refers to gravel or small stones used for paths, gardens, or construction. Not typically used for a single pebble.
We spread gravel in the garden.
A pebble that is especially smooth and rounded, often from being tumbled by waves. This meaning has a more poetic or aesthetic nuance.
Literally 'round stone'. Emphasizes the shape and smoothness. Common in descriptive contexts.
I picked up a smooth pebble on the beach.
Literally 'jewel stone'. Often used for decorative, smooth pebbles, especially in gardens or as ornaments. Can also refer to cobblestones.
A technical or literary term for pebbles or small stones, often used in geology or formal writing. Not common in daily speech.
A pebble used for a specific purpose, such as in a children's game or as a simple tool.
The generic word for 'stone'. In context, it can mean a pebble, especially when used in games like 石蹴り (stone kicking) or 石投げ (stone throwing).
They play by kicking a pebble.
A traditional game similar to hopscotch, played with a flat pebble. The word itself refers to the game, but it implies the use of a pebble.
小石 (koishi) is the most neutral and common word for a pebble. 石ころ (ishikoro) is more casual and often implies a random, insignificant stone. 石 (ishi) is the general word for 'stone' and can refer to anything from a pebble to a boulder, so context is important.
When counting pebbles, use the counter 個 (こ) for small, individual items: 小石が3個ある (There are three pebbles). For flat pebbles, 枚 (まい) can sometimes be used.
庭の池の周りに玉石を並べた。
We arranged smooth pebbles around the garden pond.
The pebbles in the riverbed became rounded over a long time.
子供たちが石蹴りをしている。
The children are playing hopscotch (with a pebble).