Translation guide
A woody plant smaller than a tree, often with multiple stems. In Japanese, the most common word is 低木 (ていぼく), but 灌木 (かんぼく) is also used, especially in technical contexts. For everyday conversation, people often refer to specific types like つつじ (azalea) or 生け垣 (hedge).
Referring to a shrub as a type of plant, in general or botanical contexts.
The standard word for 'shrub' or 'bush' in Japanese. Used in gardening, landscaping, and everyday contexts.
庭に低木を植えました。
I planted a shrub in the garden.
A more technical or literary term for 'shrub'. Often used in botany or formal writing.
この地域には多くの灌木が自生しています。
Many shrubs grow wild in this area.
Variant kanji for 灌木, less common. Same meaning and usage.
潅木が庭の隅にあります。
There is a shrub in the corner of the garden.
Talking about a particular kind of shrub, like azalea or boxwood, in everyday conversation.
In casual speech, Japanese speakers usually name the specific shrub rather than using a generic term. For example, つつじ (azalea), さつき (satsuki azalea), あじさい (hydrangea), つげ (boxwood).
つつじがきれいに咲いていますね。
The azaleas are blooming beautifully, aren't they?
生け垣につげを使っています。
We use boxwood for the hedge.
Referring to shrubs used for hedges, borders, or ornamental planting.
低木 is widely understood and appropriate in most situations, from casual chat to gardening instructions. 灌木 sounds more academic.
The English word 'bush' can be translated as 低木 or 灌木, but in many contexts, Japanese speakers use specific plant names or words like 茂み (thicket) or やぶ (bush/undergrowth). Using 低木 for a wild, unkempt bush might sound too formal.
公園の植え込みに猫が隠れている。
A cat is hiding in the shrubs in the park.