Translation guide
The English word "rock" covers several distinct concepts: a stone, a type of music, a gem, and a verb meaning to sway or to be excellent. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A piece of stone, a boulder, or a pebble.
General word for a large rock or boulder. Often used for rocks in nature.
あの岩の上に座ろう。
Let's sit on that rock.
海岸には大きな岩がたくさんある。
There are many large rocks on the coast.
General word for a stone or small rock. Can refer to pebbles, stones used in games, or material.
道に石が落ちていた。
A rock was lying on the road.
子供が石を投げて遊んでいる。
The children are throwing rocks for fun.
Technical or geological term for rock or rocks. Used in scientific contexts.
この地域の岩石は火山性だ。
The rocks in this area are volcanic.
Pebble or small stone. Emphasizes small size.
庭に小石を敷いた。
I covered the garden with pebbles.
Rock music, a style of popular music.
Katakana loanword for rock music. The most common and natural way to refer to the genre.
彼はロックが大好きだ。
He loves rock music.
ロックバンドを結成した。
We formed a rock band.
A precious stone, especially a diamond.
General word for gem or jewel. Can be used for any precious stone.
彼女は宝石のついた指輪をしている。
She is wearing a ring with a rock on it.
To move gently back and forth or cause to sway.
Intransitive verb meaning to shake, sway, or rock. Used for objects moving on their own.
地震で建物が揺れた。
The building rocked in the earthquake.
船が波で揺れている。
The boat is rocking on the waves.
Transitive verb meaning to rock or shake something.
To shake or rock something, often with a more vigorous motion. Can also mean to extort.
Slang meaning to be great, cool, or perform exceptionally well.
Means "is the best" or "is awesome." A natural way to express that something rocks.
この曲、最高だね！
This song rocks!
Means "amazing" or "incredible." Can be used to say something rocks.
彼のギターソロはすごい！
His guitar solo rocks!
Means "cool" or "stylish." Often used for things that rock in a cool way.
岩 (iwa) generally refers to larger rocks or boulders, while 石 (ishi) is used for smaller stones or pebbles. In many everyday situations, 石 is the default word for a rock you can hold or throw.
庭に大きな岩がある。
There is a large rock in the garden.
小石を拾った。
I picked up a pebble.
When referring to rock music, always use ロック (rokku). Using 岩 (iwa) or 石 (ishi) would be confusing and unnatural.
ロックを聴くのが好きです。
I like listening to rock.
Specifically rock 'n' roll, often with a retro or classic feel.
50年代のロックンロールが好きです。
I like 1950s rock 'n' roll.
Specifically a diamond. Often used when "rock" refers to a diamond in slang.
婚約指輪のダイヤは大きいね。
The rock on your engagement ring is huge!
The mother rocked the baby to sleep.
He rocked the tree to make the fruit fall.
そのジャケット、かっこいいね。
That jacket rocks!