林
Meanings
1
Refers to a wooded area, typically smaller than a large forest (森). Often used for a managed or planted stand of trees.
There is a small wood behind the house.
I like walking in the woods.
2
bunch; cluster; line; collection
Figurative use for a group or cluster of similar things, often in a line or gathered together. Less common than the literal 'wood' sense.
A forest of chimneys stands in the industrial area.
A cluster of books had formed on the bookshelf.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉の林the woods/grove at a place
There is a small grove at the foot of the mountain.
- 林を抜けるto pass through/come out of the woods
That path goes through the woods and comes out at the sea.
- 林の中を歩くto walk through/inside the woods
I like walking through the woods early in the morning.
- 林が広がるfor woods/groves to spread out (over an area)
Woods spread out around the village.