Japanese word

きのこ

Pronunciation

Romajikinoko

Meaning

  • nounmushroom

Example

森で大きなきのこを見つけました。mori de ō ki na ki no ko o mi tsu ke ma shi ta

I found a big mushroom in the forest.

Illustration for きのこ (mushroom)

More examples

このきのこは白いです。ko no ki no ko wa shiro i de su

This mushroom is white.

秋になると、山ではきのこがたくさん見つかります。aki ni na ru to yama de wa ki no ko ga ta ku sa n mi tsu ka ri ma su

In autumn, many mushrooms can be found in the mountains.

Core concept

Describes a visible fungal growth, usually with a cap and stem, that may appear in the wild or be eaten as food.

Common phrases

  • きのこを食べるki no ko o ta be ru

    eat mushrooms

  • きのこを採るki no ko o to ru

    pick mushrooms

  • きのこが生えるki no ko ga ha e ru

    mushrooms grow

Definition in Japanese

地面や木などに生える、傘状の形をした菌類。ji men ya ki na do ni ha e ru kasa jō no katachi o shi ta kin rui

Word origin

きのこ (kinoko) is linked to 木の子 (kinoko), a compound of 木 (ki, "tree") and 子 (ko, "child") that presents the fungus as a tree's child.

Usage tips

  • English uses mushroom as a verb when a problem or group grows quickly in size or number.

Word lists with this word