1.
primeval forest; virgin forest; old-growth forest
A forest that has developed naturally without significant human intervention — never logged, cleared, or planted. Used in ecology, geography, and nature writing to describe ancient, undisturbed forests.
屋久島の原始林。
The primeval forest of Yakushima.
Composed of 原始 (primitive, primeval, original) and 林 (forest, woods). Refers to forests that have grown without human disturbance and therefore preserve their original ecosystem. Famous Japanese examples include the forests of Yakushima and the beech forests of Shirakami-Sanchi.
Usage
Used in environmental, scientific, and tourism contexts. Often paired with discussions of conservation, biodiversity, and World Heritage sites.
Common collocations
- 原始林を保護する: to protect a primeval forest
- 原始林が広がる: the primeval forest stretches out
- 原始林に分け入る: to venture into a primeval forest
- 貴重な原始林: a valuable primeval forest
Similar words
- 自然林: natural forest — has grown without planting, but may have some human influence
- 天然林: natural forest (contrast with planted) — similar to 自然林; often used in forestry
- 人工林: artificial forest, plantation forest — the antonym; forests planted and managed by humans
- 原生林: primary forest — a near-synonym of 原始林, often used interchangeably