Basic Meaning
"草" (くさ) primarily means "grass" or "herb" in Japanese. It refers to the green plants that cover the ground in fields, gardens, and parks.
Usage in Daily Life
You will often hear "草" when talking about nature, gardening, or outdoor environments. For example, describing the condition of a lawn or park.
Common Collocations
- 草が生える (くさがはえる): grass grows
- 草を刈る (くさをかる): to mow or cut grass
- 草むら (くさむら): a grassy area or thicket
These phrases are useful when discussing gardening or nature scenes.
Register and Nuance
"草" is a neutral, everyday word used in both casual and formal contexts. It is not slang and is appropriate in written and spoken Japanese.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "草" with "芝" (しば), which means "lawn grass" or "turf" specifically. "草" is more general and can refer to wild grass or herbs, while "芝" is used for maintained lawns.