Translation guide
The English word 'greens' can refer to green leafy vegetables, green vegetables in general, or green plants/foliage. This guide focuses on the most common meaning for learners: leafy vegetables eaten as food.
Referring to leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, kale, etc., especially when used in cooking or salads.
General term for green leafy vegetables. Commonly used in cooking contexts.
今日は青菜を炒めます。
I'll stir-fry some greens today.
青菜が安かったのでたくさん買いました。
The greens were cheap, so I bought a lot.
Literally 'leaf vegetables'. A bit more formal or categorical, used in nutrition or agriculture contexts.
葉物野菜を毎日食べると健康に良いです。
Eating leafy greens every day is good for your health.
Can refer to green vegetables or fresh greens, but also used in markets for green produce. Slightly old-fashioned or regional.
市場で青物を買ってきた。
I bought some greens at the market.
Referring to any green-colored vegetable, not necessarily leafy (e.g., green beans, peas, broccoli).
Simple phrase meaning 'green vegetables'. Safe for any context.
緑の野菜をもっと食べなさい。
Eat more greens.
Nutritional term for 'green and yellow vegetables', often used in health guidelines. Includes carrots, pumpkins, etc., not just greens.
緑黄色野菜にはビタミンが豊富です。
Green and yellow vegetables are rich in vitamins.
Referring to green leaves, grass, or vegetation in nature or decoration.
General word for 'green' or 'greenery'. Can refer to plants, trees, or the color.
公園の緑がきれいですね。
The greens in the park are beautiful, aren't they?
Fresh green leaves, often used poetically or for seasonal greenery.
The loanword グリーン (guriin) is mainly used for the color green or in phrases like 'green tea' (グリーンティー), not for leafy vegetables. Saying グリーンを食べる sounds unnatural.
The fresh greens of the trees are vivid.