雑草(ざっそう)

ざっそう
noun
weed
1. weed, wild grass
Wild plants that grow where they are not wanted, especially in gardens or fields.
庭(にわ)の雑草(ざっそう)を抜(ぬ)く。
Pull out the weeds in the garden.
雑草(ざっそう)は抜(ぬ)いてもすぐに生(は)えてくる。
Weeds grow back quickly even after being pulled.
雑草(ざっそう)のように逞(たくま)しく生(い)きる。
Live vigorously like a weed.
Used positively to describe resilience
春(はる)になると庭(にわ)に雑草(ざっそう)がたくさん生(は)えてきて大変(たいへん)です。
When spring comes, lots of weeds grow in the garden and it's a lot of work.
週末(しゅうまつ)に家族(かぞく)みんなで庭(にわ)の雑草(ざっそう)を抜(ぬ)いて、きれいにしました。
On the weekend, the whole family pulled weeds in the garden and made it look nice.

Though 雑草(ざっそう) literally means 'miscellaneous grass' and is often unwanted, it's also used metaphorically to praise resilience and tenacity.

雑草魂(ざっそうだましい) (weed spirit) is a positive expression meaning 'underdog mentality' or 'never-give-up spirit' - popularized in sports.

Common weeds in Japan:

  • タンポポ (dandelion)
  • カタバミ (wood sorrel)
  • オオバコ (plantain)
  • セイタカアワダチソウ (goldenrod)
  • スギナ (horsetail)

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Related Words

Contrast: 野草(やそう) (wild plant (neutral))
core
Added 2026.1.14 21:56 · Revised 2026.6.4 3:40
04500/04996_zassou