小石(こいし)

小石(こいし) is composed of 小(こ) (small) + 石(いし) (stone). Refers to small, smooth stones typically found on riverbanks, beaches, and paths.

Common patterns

• 小石(こいし)を拾(ひろ)う: to pick up pebbles
• 小石(こいし)を投(な)げる: to throw pebbles
• 小石(こいし)を蹴(け)る: to kick pebbles
• 小石(こいし)が敷(し)き詰(つ)められた道(みち): a pebble-covered path

Size scale

• 砂(すな): sand
• 小石(こいし): pebble, small stone
• 石(いし): stone (general term)
• 岩(いわ): rock, boulder
• 砂利(じゃり): gravel (collection of small stones)

Usage

水切(みずき)り (stone skipping) is a popular activity where you throw a flat 小石(こいし) across water to make it bounce.