Refers to soil or earth as a material, often in gardening, agriculture, or scientific contexts. Less common than native words like 土 (つち) in everyday conversation.
This soil drains well.
Figurative extension from 'soil' to mean one's homeland or native land. Often used in poetic or formal contexts, similar to English 'native soil'.
Refers to dirt or a stain on something, often used in cleaning or laundry contexts. Less common than 汚れ (よごれ) in daily speech.
There's a dirt stain on the shirt.
I bought some gardening soil.
He set foot on foreign soil.
I want to return to my native soil.
This detergent removes dirt well.
Loanword from English 'soil', borrowed in the 20th century. Used primarily in specialized or figurative contexts rather than everyday speech.