1.
gravel; pebbles; small stones
Small loose stones, often used as ground cover for gardens, paths, parking areas, and shrine grounds.
庭に砂利を敷いた。
I laid gravel in the garden.
砂利の上を歩くと音がする。
Walking on gravel makes a crunching sound.
神社の参道には白い砂利が敷き詰められていた。
White gravel was spread all along the shrine's approach path.
Gravel is a common feature in Japanese gardens, shrine and temple grounds, and around traditional buildings.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 砂利を敷く (to lay/spread gravel)
- 砂利道 (gravel road)
- 砂利を踏む (to step on gravel)
USAGE NOTE:
In Japanese gardens, raked gravel (枯山水 — dry landscape) represents water. Around traditional homes, 砂利 also serves a security purpose — the crunching sound alerts residents to approaching visitors.