How to say "gravel" in Japanese

• じゃりJLPT N1approx.Common
  no-adjectiveThe common word for gravel: the loose small stones you walk or drive on, as on paths and at construction sites. It also covers ballast and pebbles.
  道路どうろ修理しゅうりのために彼かれらは砂利じゃりをセメントで固かためている。↗

  They are binding the gravel with cement to repair the road.
• グラベル
  nounA loanword from English with the same meaning, gravel. Being less common, it is not the default choice; for everyday gravel じゃり is the word you will usually want.
• 玉砂利たまじゃり
  nounGravel made of smooth, rounded pebbles, the kind spread on Japanese garden and temple grounds. It suggests deliberately placed decorative stones rather than rough ordinary gravel.
• 礫れき
  nounA less common word meaning small stone or gravel. For ordinary gravel it is seldom the word you want; じゃり is the usual everyday choice.
• さざれ石さざれいし
  nounTiny pebbles rather than ordinary gravel; the word is familiar to many from its appearance in the national anthem. For everyday gravel, じゃり is the usual choice.

For ordinary loose gravel use 「じゃり」; 「グラベル」 is a less common loanword, 玉砂利 is smooth rounded garden gravel, while 礫 and 「さざれ石」 are less common words for small stones rather than everyday gravel.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• じゃりgravel
• グラベルgravel
• 玉砂利たまじゃりgravel
• 礫れきsmall stone
• さざれ石さざれいしpebbles
• 腎砂じんさrenal sand