Translation guide
The English word "rock" covers several distinct concepts: a stone, a type of music, a gem, and a verb meaning to sway or to be excellent. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A piece of stone, a boulder, or a pebble.
General word for a large rock or boulder. Often used for rocks in nature.
Let's sit on that rock.
There are many large rocks on the coast.
General word for a stone or small rock. Can refer to pebbles, stones used in games, or material.
A rock was lying on the road.
The children are throwing rocks for fun.
Technical or geological term for rock or rocks. Used in scientific contexts.
The rocks in this area are volcanic.
Pebble or small stone. Emphasizes small size.
I covered the garden with pebbles.
Rock music, a style of popular music.
A precious stone, especially a diamond.
To move gently back and forth or cause to sway.
Intransitive verb meaning to shake, sway, or rock. Used for objects moving on their own.
The building rocked in the earthquake.
The boat is rocking on the waves.
Transitive verb meaning to rock or shake something.
To shake or rock something, often with a more vigorous motion. Can also mean to extort.
Slang meaning to be great, cool, or perform exceptionally well.
Means "is the best" or "is awesome." A natural way to express that something rocks.
This song rocks!
Means "amazing" or "incredible." Can be used to say something rocks.
Means "cool" or "stylish." Often used for things that rock in a cool way.
岩 (iwa) generally refers to larger rocks or boulders, while 石 (ishi) is used for smaller stones or pebbles. In many everyday situations, 石 is the default word for a rock you can hold or throw.
There is a large rock in the garden.
I picked up a pebble.
When referring to rock music, always use ロック (rokku). Using 岩 (iwa) or 石 (ishi) would be confusing and unnatural.
I like listening to rock.
Specifically rock 'n' roll, often with a retro or classic feel.
I like 1950s rock 'n' roll.
The rock on your engagement ring is huge!
The mother rocked the baby to sleep.
He rocked the tree to make the fruit fall.
His guitar solo rocks!
That jacket rocks!