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.
ここは千年も前からの原始林だ。
This is a primeval forest that has existed for over a thousand years.
原始林には、貴重な動物や植物がたくさん生息している。
Many rare animals and plants live in the primeval forest.
世界遺産に登録された原始林は、厳しく保護されている。
Primeval forests registered as World Heritage sites are strictly protected.
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