1.
giant tree; great tree; large old tree
An exceptionally large tree, often old and revered. In Japan, giant trees are sometimes designated as natural monuments.
森の奥に巨木がそびえている。
A giant tree towers deep in the forest.
この巨木は樹齢千年を超えると言われている。
This giant tree is said to be over a thousand years old.
屋久島の縄文杉は日本で最も有名な巨木の一つだ。
The Jomon cedar on Yakushima is one of the most famous giant trees in Japan.
USAGE:
Often associated with nature worship and spirituality. In Japan, particularly large or old trees at shrines are sometimes wrapped with 注連縄 (sacred rope) and revered as sacred. The word carries a sense of awe and majesty.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 巨木がそびえる (a giant tree towers)
- 巨木の森 (a forest of giant trees)
- 天然記念物の巨木 (a giant tree designated as a natural monument)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 大木: large tree — similar but slightly less dramatic
- 古木: old tree — emphasizes age rather than size
- 御神木: sacred tree — a tree revered at a shrine