1.
weed, wild grass
Wild plants that grow where they are not wanted, especially in gardens or fields.
庭の雑草を抜く。
Pull out the weeds in the garden.
雑草は抜いてもすぐに生えてくる。
Weeds grow back quickly even after being pulled.
雑草のように逞しく生きる。
Live vigorously like a weed.
Used positively to describe resilience
春になると庭に雑草がたくさん生えてきて大変です。
When spring comes, lots of weeds grow in the garden and it's a lot of work.
週末に家族みんなで庭の雑草を抜いて、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 literally means 'miscellaneous grass' and is often unwanted, it's also used metaphorically to praise resilience and tenacity.
雑草魂 (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)
Related actions:
- 雑草を抜く (pull weeds)
- 草むしり (weeding)
- 除草する (remove weeds)
- 除草剤 (herbicide)