磯(いそ)

いそ
noun
rocky shore; seashore rocks
1. rocky shore; seashore with rocks
A rocky coastline area, typically exposed at low tide.
磯(いそ)で貝(かい)を拾(ひろ)った。
I picked up shells at the rocky shore.
磯(いそ)の香(かお)りがする。
There's a smell of the seashore.
磯の香り = ocean/seaweed scent
磯(いそ)遊(あそ)びを楽(たの)しむ。
To enjoy playing at the rocky shore.
磯遊び = exploring tide pools

磯(いそ) specifically refers to rocky coastal areas where waves crash against rocks and tide pools form, distinct from sandy beaches.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 磯(いそ)の香(かお)り: scent of the sea/seaweed (an evocative phrase for ocean air)
  • 磯遊(いそあそ)び: exploring tide pools, playing at the rocky shore
  • 磯釣(いそづ)り: rock fishing (fishing from rocky shores)
  • 磯(いそ)焼(や)き: grilling seafood on rocks by the shore

CONTRAST:

  • 磯(いそ): rocky shore
  • 砂浜(すなはま): sandy beach
  • 海岸(かいがん): coast, seashore (general, includes both types)
  • 浜(はま): beach (general)

USAGE:
Often appears in place names and food terms. 磯(いそ)の香(かお)り is a common description in food writing for dishes with a fresh ocean/seaweed aroma.

Related Words

Contrast: 砂浜(すなはま) (sandy beach)
Related: 海岸(かいがん) (coast, seashore (general))
Related: 浜(はま) (beach (general))
general
Added 2026.1.16 14:48 · Revised 2026.4.14 12:22
05000/05389_iso