サボテン

さぼてん
noun
cactus
1. cactus
A succulent plant with thick stems, typically found in deserts.
サボテンは水(みず)をあまり必要(ひつよう)としない。
Cacti don't need much water.
サボテンの刺(とげ)に触(さわ)らないで。
Don't touch the cactus spines.
小(ちい)さいサボテンを部屋(へや)に飾(かざ)っている。
I have a small cactus decorating my room.

サボテン refers to cactus plants, popular as low-maintenance houseplants in Japan.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Portuguese "sabão" (soap), as the sap was once used like soap. Sometimes written with kanji 仙人掌(さぼてん).

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • 刺(とげ): spines
  • 多肉植物(たにくしょくぶつ): succulent plant
  • Requires infrequent watering

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • サボテンを育(そだ)てる: to grow a cactus
  • サボテンの花(はな): cactus flower
  • ミニサボテン: mini cactus

CULTURAL NOTE:
Small cacti are popular gifts and desk decorations in Japan due to their easy care.

general
Added 2026.1.16 16:44 · Revised 2026.1.28 19:41
05000/05488_saboten