What is 球根?
球根 (きゅうこん) refers to the bulb of a plant, which is an underground storage organ that contains nutrients to help the plant survive adverse conditions and regrow. It is commonly used when talking about flowers like tulips, daffodils, and lilies.
Usage and Context
This word is mostly used in gardening, botany, and horticulture contexts. When you mention 球根, you are often discussing planting, growth cycles, or care instructions for bulbous plants.
Common Collocations
- 球根を植える (きゅうこんをうえる): to plant bulbs
- 球根植物 (きゅうこんしょくぶつ): bulb plants
- 球根が休眠する (きゅうこんがきゅうみんする): bulbs go dormant
These collocations help you talk about the lifecycle and care of bulb plants naturally.
Register and Nuance
The term is neutral and formal enough for scientific or gardening discussions but can also be used in everyday conversation about planting flowers.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 球根 with 根 (ね, root) or 茎 (くき, stem). Remember, 球根 specifically refers to the bulb, which is a swollen underground part, not just any root or stem.