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

Similar words

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

Compare: 砂浜(すなはま) (sandy beach)

Related: 海岸(かいがん) (coast, seashore (general))

Related: 浜(はま) (beach (general))

Compare: 岩場(いわば) (rocky area)

Compare: 石浜(いしはま) (pebble beach)

general

Added 2026.1.16 14:48 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02

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