庭(にわ)いじり

Casual, leisurely gardening done as a hobby or pastime. A compound of 庭(にわ) (garden) and いじり (fiddling with, tinkering). The いじり suffix implies a relaxed, enjoyable activity rather than serious agricultural work.

Common collocations

• 庭(にわ)いじりをする: to putter in the garden
• 庭(にわ)いじりが好(す)き: to like gardening
• 庭(にわ)いじりが趣味(しゅみ): gardening as a hobby

Similar words

• ガーデニング: gardening — more modern, often implies decorative or Western-style gardening
• 園芸(えんげい): horticulture — broader and more formal
• 家庭菜園(かていさいえん): home vegetable garden — specifically growing food

Usage

Often describes a retired person's or homemaker's relaxing activity. The word has a warm, domestic feel.