Translation guide
The English word 'stone' can refer to the material, a small rock, a gemstone, or a unit of weight. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning, with a focus on natural usage.
Referring to stone as a material, such as in construction or sculpture.
The most general word for stone as a material. Can also mean a small stone or rock.
この建物は石でできています。
This building is made of stone.
石の彫刻
stone sculpture
Specifically refers to stone as a building material. More formal and technical than 石.
A small piece of stone, often found on the ground or used in games.
The default word for a small stone or rock. Can be used for anything from a pebble to a fist-sized rock.
A precious or semi-precious stone used in jewelry.
The imperial unit of weight equal to 14 pounds, used mainly in the UK for body weight.
The hard inner part of a fruit like a peach or cherry.
The general word for seed or pit. Can be used for most fruits.
A hard mass formed in the body.
While 石 (いし) means stone, it refers to ordinary rocks or the material. For precious stones, always use 宝石 (ほうせき). Using 石 for a diamond would sound like you're calling it a worthless rock.
この指輪の石はダイヤモンドです。
The stone in this ring is a diamond. (unnatural)
この指輪の宝石はダイヤモンドです。
The gemstone in this ring is a diamond. (natural)
石材を輸入する
to import stone (building material)
道に石が落ちていた。
There was a stone on the road.
子供が石を投げた。
The child threw a stone.
Specifically a small stone or pebble. Emphasizes the small size.
小石を拾う
to pick up a pebble
A colloquial term for a small, often worthless stone. Has a slightly dismissive tone.
石ころだらけの道
a road full of stones
The general word for gemstone or jewel. Covers diamonds, rubies, etc.
彼女は宝石が大好きだ。
She loves gemstones.
宝石をちりばめた王冠
a crown studded with precious stones
A formal term for precious stones, often used in technical or commercial contexts.
貴石の鑑定
appraisal of precious stones
The direct loanword for the British unit. Used in contexts where the imperial system is referenced.
彼の体重は12ストーンです。
He weighs 12 stone.
In most everyday Japanese contexts, weight is measured in kilograms. It's often better to convert and use キログラム (kg).
体重は約76キロです。
My weight is about 76 kilograms. (equivalent to 12 stone)
桃の種
peach stone
More specifically refers to the hard pit or stone of a fruit. Often used in botanical contexts.
さくらんぼの核
cherry stone
The medical term for a stone formed in the body, such as kidney stones or gallstones.
石 (いし) is a small stone or rock, while 岩 (いわ) is a large rock or boulder. Use 岩 for something you can't easily pick up.
庭に大きな岩がある。
There is a large rock in the garden.
彼女は青い宝石のネックレスをしていた。
She wore a necklace with a blue stone.