1.
zelkova tree; Japanese zelkova
A large deciduous tree (Zelkova serrata) native to East Asia, valued in Japan for shade, autumn color, and high-quality timber. Often planted along streets and around shrines.
欅の大きな木が立っている。
A large zelkova tree is standing there.
欅並木を歩くのが好きだ。
I like walking along the zelkova-lined avenue.
欅は丈夫で美しい木目が出るので、家具や建築材としてよく使われる。
Zelkova is strong and has a beautiful grain, so it is often used as furniture and construction lumber.
A large deciduous hardwood with a distinctive vase-shaped silhouette. Common as a street tree in Japanese cities and as a sacred tree at shrines. Its dense, beautifully grained wood is prized for furniture, daiko drum bodies, and traditional architecture.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 欅並木: zelkova-lined avenue
- 欅の木: zelkova tree
- 欅材: zelkova lumber
- 大欅: a great zelkova (often a sacred or landmark tree)
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Keyaki are common landmark trees and frequently appear in place names and product names. Many shrines have an old keyaki considered a 御神木 (sacred tree).
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 楠: camphor tree — another large traditional shade tree
- 桜: cherry tree — different shape but the iconic Japanese street tree
- 銀杏: ginkgo — another famous street tree, fan-shaped leaves