1.
pine cone
The hard, woody fruit of a pine tree, with overlapping scales that open to release seeds. A common natural object found on the ground in pine forests.
公園で松ぼっくりを拾った。
I picked up a pine cone in the park.
子供たちは松ぼっくりで工作をした。
The children did craft projects using pine cones.
湿気が多いと松ぼっくりの傘は閉じ、乾くとまた開く。
When it's humid, the scales of a pine cone close; they open again when it dries out.
Compound of 松 (pine) + ぼっくり (an older word related to a small round/lumpy shape). The kanji form 松毬 exists but the kana form is standard.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 松ぼっくりを拾う: to pick up pine cones
- 松ぼっくり工作: pine-cone crafts (a popular kids' activity)
- 松ぼっくりの傘: the scales ("umbrella") of a pine cone
- クリスマスの松ぼっくり: pine cones for Christmas decorations
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 松かさ: another word for pine cone — slightly more formal/literary
- どんぐり: acorn — a different tree's nut, but in a similar "natural object you pick up outside" category