noun
dead leaf; dry leaves
Refers to leaves that have withered and fallen, often associated with autumn or winter scenery.
庭に枯れ葉がたくさん落ちている。
Many dead leaves have fallen in the garden.
枯れ葉を集めて焚き火をした。
We gathered dry leaves and made a bonfire.
Common kanji spelling with okurigana. Listed as high priority; chosen as headword for its high frequency and clarity.
Common kanji spelling. Listed as high priority.
落ち葉 specifically means fallen leaves, often still colorful, while 枯れ葉 emphasizes that the leaves are withered and dry.
Compound of 枯れ (kare, 'withering', the 連用形 of 枯れる) + 葉 (ha, 'leaf'). The kanji spelling 枯葉 is a standard abbreviation.