小石・礫|こいしkoishi[0]heiban (flat)
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Which spelling to use
小石小石 is the more common written form and the recommended choice for beginners. Use it when writing this word unless you have a reason to choose another form.
礫礫 is a less common written form than 小石. You may encounter it, but 小石 is the safer choice for beginners.
Definitions
- nounpebble; small stone
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym石ころいしころCasualA colloquial word for a stone or rock, also used figuratively for something worthless; unlike 「小石」 it does not stress smallness.
- Synonymさざれ石さざれいしWrittenTiny stones, a literary word known from the Japanese national anthem and the old waka 「さざれ石の」 behind it; archaic and solemn.
- RelatedじゃりNeutralCrushed stone or gravel, chiefly for paving; also a colloquial term for a small child (「ジャリ」).
- Related砂礫されきNeutralSand mixed with small stones; a term of geology and civil engineering. It denotes the mixture, not a single small stone.
- Related玉砂利たまじゃりNeutralRounded gravel with fairly large grains, spread on shrine approaches and in gardens; decorative gravel for covering the ground.
- Related砂れきNeutralA spelling of 「砂礫」 with kana mixed in, meaning the same; often seen in official documents to avoid the difficult kanji.
For a small stone, use 「小石」, as in 「小石を投げる」. Say 「石ころ」 in casual speech, 「砂利」 for paving gravel, 「玉砂利」 for rounded garden gravel, and 「砂礫」 in geological contexts.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
- 小さい石。こいし。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
