Japanese word

茎

Pronunciation

Romajikuki

Meaning

  • nounstem

Example

この花の茎は細いです。ko no hana no kuki wa hoso i de su

This flower's stem is thin.

Illustration for 茎 (stem)

More examples

植物の種類によって、茎の硬さや太さが違います。shoku butsu no shu rui ni yo tte kuki no kata sa ya futo sa ga chiga i ma su

The hardness and thickness of a plant's stem vary by species.

Core concept

Presents the central supporting part of a plant, connecting its roots with the leaves or flowers and transporting fluids.

Common phrases

  • 太い茎futo i kuki

    thick stem

  • 茎の根元kuki no ne moto

    base of the stem

  • 茎を切るkuki o ki ru

    cut the stem

Similar words

柄gara: A slender structure that connects a leaf, flower, or fruit to the plant.

Definition in Japanese

植物の体を支え、根から葉や花へ水分や養分を運ぶ軸状の部分。shoku butsu no karada o sasa e ne ka ra ha ya hana e sui bun ya yō bun o hako bu jiku jō no bu bun

Word origin

The native Japanese noun 茎 (kuki) predates its written form, and the kanji 茎 was chosen for its related meaning of a plant stem.

Usage tips

  • The distinction between stem and stalk is not absolute in English, so both words can translate 茎 (kuki) in descriptions of different plants.

Other meanings

  • stalknoun

Word lists with this word