苔
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
Refers to true mosses (bryophytes) in botanical contexts, and commonly to any small, soft green plant growing on surfaces.
Moss is growing on the stones in the garden.
It's slippery when you walk on moss.
2
moss-like plants; bryophytes; lichens
usually written using kana alone
Broadly includes other small plants and organisms that resemble moss, such as liverworts, lichens, and tiny flowering plants. Common in everyday, non-technical usage.
Is this green stuff a kind of moss?
The rock surface is covered with something like moss.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に苔が生えるmoss grows on/in a place
Moss has grown on the stones in the garden.
- 苔で覆われるto be covered in moss
The old shrine's roof was covered in moss.
- 苔を育てるto grow/cultivate moss
Growing moss has recently become my hobby.
Expressions
- 転石苔生さずa rolling stone gathers no moss
- 転石苔を生ぜずa rolling stone gathers no moss
- 転がる石には苔は付かないa rolling stone gathers no moss