1.
acorn
The nut of an oak tree. A familiar sight in autumn in Japan, often collected by children.
団栗を拾う。
To pick up acorns.
子どもが公園で団栗を集めている。
The children are collecting acorns in the park.
秋になると山道にたくさんの団栗が落ちている。
In autumn, many acorns lie scattered on the mountain paths.
IDIOM:
団栗の背比べ literally means "height comparison among acorns" — used to describe people or things that are all much the same with no clear winner. Similar to English "much of a muchness."
USAGE:
Usually written in hiragana as どんぐり. The kanji 団栗 is rarely used in everyday writing.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 団栗を拾う: to pick up acorns
- 団栗の背比べ: all much the same, no standout
- 団栗拾い: acorn gathering