How to say "tree" in Japanese

• 木きJLPT N5approx.Common
  nounThe default word for a tree, and also for shrubs and bushes; use it whenever you simply mean a tree — one standing in a garden, park, or forest.
  その木きには実じつがたわわになっていた。↗

  The tree was heavy with fruit.
• ツリーCommon
  nounThe loanword, used above all for a Christmas tree; for trees growing outdoors it is not the word you want — say 木 instead.
• 樹木じゅもくJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounTrees and shrubs viewed collectively, as in descriptions of parks, forests, or gardens; for one particular tree in ordinary talk, 木 is the word you want.
  果実かじつがなる樹木じゅもくは、成長せいちょうするための空間くうかんがかなり必要ひつようだ。↗

  Fruit trees require a large amount of space in which to grow.
• 木本もくほんCommon
  no-adjectiveA botanical term for a woody plant — a tree or shrub with persistent woody stems, as opposed to herbaceous plants; seldom the word you want for 'tree' in everyday use.
  なぜ一種いっしゅの植物しょくぶつが一いち年生ねんせいの草本そうほんになったり、多年生たねんせいの木本もくほんになったりするのでしょうか。↗

  I wonder why it is that some plants become annuals and others perennials?

Use 木 for any tree in ordinary contexts; 「ツリー」 is mainly for Christmas trees; 樹木 fits trees discussed collectively, as in parks or forests; 木本 is a botanical term for woody plants, seldom needed.

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

• 木きtree
• ツリーtree (esp. a Christmas tree)
• 樹木じゅもくtree
• 木本もくほんtree