苔(こけ)

こけ
noun
moss
1. moss
Small, soft green plants that grow in dense mats on rocks, trees, and damp ground.
石(いし)に苔(こけ)が生(は)えている。
Moss is growing on the stone.
苔(こけ)が生(は)えた庭(にわ)は美(うつく)しい。
A garden covered with moss is beautiful.
転(ころ)がる石(いし)には苔(こけ)が生(は)えない。
A rolling stone gathers no moss. (Proverb)
Japanese version of the English proverb
雨上(あめあ)がりの森(もり)では、苔(こけ)が美(うつく)しい緑色(みどりいろ)に輝(かがや)いている。
In the forest after rain, the moss shines in a beautiful green.
京都(きょうと)の西芳寺(さいほうじ)は苔寺(こけでら)とも呼(よ)ばれ、境内(けいだい)を覆(おお)う苔(こけ)の美(うつく)しさで知(し)られています。
Saihoji Temple in Kyoto is also called the Moss Temple and is known for the beauty of moss covering its grounds.

Moss holds special significance in Japanese aesthetics, representing age, tranquility, and the beauty of impermanence (侘(わ)び寂(さ)び).

Famous moss locations:

  • 西芳寺(さいほうじ) (苔寺(こけでら)) - Kyoto's famous 'Moss Temple'
  • 日本庭園(にほんていえん) (Japanese gardens)

苔(こけ)むす (to become covered with moss) suggests peaceful passage of time. Japan's national anthem includes the line 「苔(こけ)のむすまで」 (until stones become covered with moss).

Types:

  • 蘚類(せんるい) (true mosses)
  • 苔類(たいるい) (liverworts)
  • 地衣類(ちいるい) (lichens - often included colloquially)

Related:

  • 苔玉(こけだま) (moss balls - decorative plant art)
  • 苔(こけ)テラリウム (moss terrarium)
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Added 2026.1.14 21:54 · Revised 2026.3.7 12:40
04500/04991_koke