How to say "leaf" in Japanese

• 葉はJLPT N4approx.Common
  nounThe all-purpose word for a leaf: it covers leaves of trees and other plants, blades of grass, pine needles, and fronds. Use it when you simply mean 'leaf'.
  こちらには大おおきなハスの葉はがあります。↗

  We have very big lotus leaves.
• 葉っぱはっぱCommon
  nounThe conversational counterpart of 葉, with the same core senses: a leaf, a blade of grass, a pine needle. The natural form in casual speech, as when pointing out leaves drifting down.
  私には葉はっぱとりんごしかありません。↗

  I have only leaves and apples.
• 木の葉このはCommon
  expression, nounA leaf of a tree specifically — tree leaves, foliage. Choose it when you want the tree made explicit, as with leaves fluttering down; it does not cover blades of grass or pine needles.
  秋あきには木の葉このはが落おちる。↗

  Leaves fall in the autumn.

Use 葉 as the all-purpose word for a leaf of any plant, 「葉っぱ」 as its conversational counterpart, and 「木の葉」 when you mean the leaves of trees specifically — foliage, not blades of grass or needles.

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

• 葉はleaf
• 葉っぱはっぱleaf
• 木の葉このはleaf (of a tree)
• リーフleaf
• 薄片はくへんflake
• 箔はくfoil
• ひとひら(one) leaf