Translation guide
The English word "weed" can refer to an unwanted plant, the act of removing such plants, or slang for marijuana. This guide covers the most common and useful Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a plant growing where it is not wanted, especially in a garden or farm.
The standard word for 'weed' as an unwanted plant. Used in gardening, farming, and everyday contexts.
The action of pulling out or getting rid of unwanted plants.
Referring to cannabis, especially in informal or slang contexts.
The most common loanword for marijuana. Neutral and widely understood.
While 草 can sometimes mean 'weed' in context, 雑草 is the specific word for an unwanted plant. Using 草 alone might just mean 'grass'.
mow the lawn (not necessarily weeding)
In Japanese, weeding is often expressed as 草取り or 草むしり, which are noun phrases. You can use them with する to make a verb: 草取りする (to weed).
庭に雑草がたくさん生えている。
There are a lot of weeds growing in the garden.
Pulling weeds is hard work.
Literally 'grass', but often used to mean 'weeds' in casual contexts, especially when the distinction isn't important.
The weeds are overgrown.
In botanical or technical contexts, 雑草 is the precise term.
This weed has strong reproductive ability.
The most common way to say 'weeding' as a chore. Literally 'grass removing'.
I weeded the garden on the weekend.
Weeding is a hassle.
Literally 'pull weeds'. More specific than 草取り, emphasizing the action of pulling.
Please pull the weeds.
Another common term for weeding, similar to 草取り. Often used in casual speech.
I weeded with my child.
Marijuana is illegal in Japan.
The formal/legal term for cannabis. Used in news and official contexts.
He was arrested for violating the Cannabis Control Act.
Slang term for marijuana, similar to 'weed' or 'pot'. Very informal.
This is slang and may not be understood by all speakers. Use with caution.
I heard that guy smokes weed.