(にわし)

にわし
noun
gardener, landscape gardener
1. gardener, landscape gardener
A professional who designs, maintains, and cares for gardens, especially traditional Japanese gardens. Refers specifically to a skilled tradesperson rather than a casual hobbyist.
庭師(にわし)(まつ)手入(てい)れを(たの)んだ。
I asked a gardener to tend to the pine tree.
あの庭師(にわし)(うで)がいいと評判(ひょうばん)だ。
That gardener has a reputation for being skilled.
京都(きょうと)老舗(しにせ)旅館(りょかん)には専属(せんぞく)庭師(にわし)がいることが(おお)い。
Many long-established inns in Kyoto have dedicated gardeners on staff.

USAGE:
Refers to a professional gardener, particularly one who works with traditional Japanese-style gardens (日本庭園(にほんていえん)). The work involves pruning trees, arranging stones, and maintaining the aesthetic balance of the garden. Unlike the English word "gardener," 庭師(にわし) implies a high level of skill and craftsmanship.

RELATED WORDS:

  • 植木屋(うえきや): tree trimmer, nurseryman (more casual, focused on plants)
  • ガーデナー: gardener (loanword, used for Western-style gardening)