1.
stem, stalk
The main upright part of a plant that supports the leaves, flowers, and fruit. Used for all types of plants, from flowers to vegetables.
茎 refers to the stem or stalk of any plant — the part that supports leaves, flowers, and fruit.
Usage
Applies to flowers, vegetables, and herbs alike. For tree trunks, use 幹 instead. For mushroom stems, 軸 is more common.
Common collocations
- 茎を切る: to cut a stem
- 茎が伸びる: a stem grows/extends
- 茎が折れる: a stem breaks
- 太い茎: thick stalk
- 茎わかめ: stem wakame (a popular snack)
In cooking
Many vegetable stems are edible and commonly used in Japanese cooking. ブロッコリーの茎 (broccoli stems) and セロリの茎 (celery stalks) are everyday ingredients.