Meaning and Usage
"茎" (くき) refers specifically to the stalk or stem of a plant. It is the part that supports leaves, flowers, or fruits. This word is commonly used in botanical contexts or when discussing vegetables and flowers.
Common Collocations
- 茎が細い (stalk is thin): Describes the physical characteristic of the stalk.
- 茎を折る (to break the stalk): Often used when handling plants carefully.
- 野菜の茎 (vegetable stalk): Refers to the edible or inedible stalk parts of vegetables.
Register and Nuance
"茎" is a neutral, standard term used in both everyday and scientific contexts. It is more formal than casual words like "枝" (branch) when referring specifically to the stalk of plants.
Learner Tips
A common confusion is mixing "茎" with "枝" (branch). Remember, "茎" is the main stalk or stem of a plant, while "枝" refers to branches growing from the main stem. Use "茎" when talking about the central supporting part of flowers or vegetables.