If you are Japanese language learner thinking about improving your vocabulary or a tourist in Japan trying to learn some common words as quickly as possible, this comprehensive guide will help you learn 15 most common Japanese language words relating to wildlife and nature. So, let's start this guide with the first word “nature”.
Nature in Japanese is called shizen. Although the word shizen includes all the things nature such as mountains, trees, clouds etc. Its meaning also includes things like being natural, human nature, spontaneity etc. Shizen is not only about the physical aspect of the nature but it is also used to describe things that are influenced by humans or are man-made.
Forest in Japanese is called shinrin. These beautiful and intuitive kanji characters [森林] are used for writing the word forest in Japanese. One of a very popular leisure activity in Japan is to go for a walk or hiking in forest or spend some time in the forest. This activity is believed to be very relaxing and rejuvenating, and is called as “Forest Bathing” aka “shinrin yoku”.
Mountain in Japanese is called as Yama and its kanji character is 山. Mountains in Japan are considered sacred as they are popular places for pilgrimages to worship. There are many ancient shrines and places of worship on these mountains also making them important from religious point of view. Apart from these, mountains in Japan are also a popular hiking spots and tourist destinations and that attracts many tourists from all over the world to witness the beauty and calmness of these mountains. One such popular Yama of Japan is the very popular: Mount Fuji.
A valley in Japanese is called keikoku. Valleys are beautiful parts of nature providing delightful scenery to the spectators.
Lake in Japanese is called mizuumi. This word is made by two words mizu and umi, where “mizu” means “water” and “umi” meaning “sea”. So, mizuumi basically translates to “water sea”.
The word for flower in Japanese is “hana”. This word is collectively used to describe various variety of flowers. Flowers like cherry blossoms (桜 - sakura) and irises (菖蒲 - ayame) are very popular in Japan. Also, flowers are used for activities like hanami (flower viewing) and ikebana (flower arranging).
This beautiful kanji, 鳥 represents the word tori in Japanese meaning “bird”. There are about 600 species of birds in Japan. Also, a popular activity related to this word is birdwatching also called “torimi” (鳥見).
Insects in Japanese are called Konchuu. Many Japanese people have this hobby of collecting insects also called Konchu saishu.
Fishes are called as Sakana in Japanese. Fishes like tuna and salmon are popular delicacies in Japan.
Shinrabanshou in Japanese is a philosophical term meaning all things in nature or universe. It says everything in universe from smallest of insects of big stars are interconnected and are a part of the nature.
Conservation of nature in Japanese is called shizen hogo. It is a very important concept in Japan as it is a country that respects environment and strives to live in harmony with it.
The word for wildlife in Japanese is Yasei seibutsu. Japan is a country having diverse wildlife.
Hot springs in Japan are called onsens. Due to the Japan being present on the intersection of four tectonic plates, is a country with numerous hot springs. Bathing in onsens is believed to be very beneficial for the health. It also provides much needed relaxation to the people.
Waterfalls in Japanese are called Taki. Japan is home to many different types waterfalls each with its own unique beauty and charm. Some examples include Kegon Falls and Nachi Falls.
Although it is not directly related to the list of vocabulary of nature and wildlife, but is an important term to know. As Japan observes thousands of earthquakes each year, it has developed very competent disaster management techniques which you can check out in here.
Some other words include:
16. 海岸 (Kaigan) = Word for coastline is kaigan.
17. 森 (Mori) = Woods, small areas having a lot of tresses providing shades and habitat to a variety of flora and fauna.
18. 雪 (Yuki) = Snow in Japanese is called Yuki. Snow sports such as skating, snowboarding etc., are very popular in Japan.
19. 海洋 (Kaiyou) = Ocean is called as Kaiyou in Japanese.
These were some of the common vocabulary and words related to nature and wildlife. To read more such blog posts checkout our website nihongomax.com.