Translation guide
The English word 'tree' refers to a large plant with a trunk, branches, and leaves. In Japanese, the most common word is 木 (き), but there are also words for specific types of trees, trees in different contexts, and related expressions.
Referring to a tree as a plant, in general or unspecified.
The most common and general word for 'tree'. Can also mean 'wood' depending on context.
庭に大きな木があります。
There is a big tree in the garden.
この木は何の木ですか。
What kind of tree is this?
A more formal or technical term for 'tree', often used in written or academic contexts.
樹木の保護は重要です。
Protection of trees is important.
Referring to a particular species of tree, such as pine, cherry, etc.
Pine tree. Often used in traditional contexts.
松の木が海岸に並んでいます。
Pine trees line the coast.
Cherry tree, especially famous for its blossoms.
Cedar tree, common in Japan and often associated with pollen allergies.
杉の木は花粉症の原因になります。
Cedar trees cause hay fever.
Oak tree, often used for its hard wood.
樫の木は家具に使われます。
Oak trees are used for furniture.
Referring to the substance wood, often from trees.
Can mean both 'tree' and 'wood'. Context usually clarifies.
この机は木でできています。
This desk is made of wood.
Specifically 'lumber' or 'timber', used in construction and carpentry.
Referring to a branching diagram, like a family tree or decision tree.
Loanword from English, used for diagrams, data structures, and Christmas trees.
家系図はファミリーツリーとも呼ばれます。
A family tree is also called a family tree.
Technical term for 'tree structure' in computer science or mathematics.
Common phrases or proverbs that use the concept of a tree.
Proverb meaning 'can't see the forest for the trees', i.e., too focused on details to see the big picture.
細かいことにこだわりすぎて、木を見て森を見ずになっている。
You're so caught up in the details that you can't see the forest for the trees.
Proverb meaning 'even monkeys fall from trees', i.e., everyone makes mistakes.
彼が失敗するなんて、猿も木から落ちるだね。
Even he makes mistakes; it's like 'even monkeys fall from trees'.
Both are pronounced き, but 木 means tree/wood, while 気 means spirit, mood, or energy. Context usually makes it clear, but be careful in writing.
The cherry trees in the park are in full bloom.
家を建てるために木材を買いました。
I bought lumber to build a house.
データは木構造で表現されます。
The data is represented in a tree structure.