At the A1 level, you only need to know that 雑草 (zassou) means 'weed' – the unwanted plants in a garden. You will mostly use it with simple verbs like 'nuku' (pull) or 'aru' (there is). For example, 'Niwa ni zassou ga arimasu' (There are weeds in the garden). It is a common noun you might see in basic stories about chores or nature. Focus on recognizing the 'grass' radical (艹) at the top of the second character, which tells you it's related to plants.
At the A2 level, you can start using 雑草 in sentences about household chores and the seasons. You should know that in Japan, weeds grow very fast in the summer because it is hot and rainy. You might say 'Zassou o nuku no wa taihen desu' (Pulling weeds is hard work). You should also be able to distinguish between 'kusa' (grass/plants) and 'zassou' (weeds). 'Zassou' is specifically the ones you don't want. You might also hear 'zassou-tori' (weed pulling) as a compound noun.
At the B1 level, you should understand the metaphorical use of 雑草. It is often used to describe a person's character. A 'zassou' person is someone who is tough and can survive anywhere. You will encounter the phrase 'zassou-damashii' (weed spirit), which is a very positive trait meaning resilience. You should also be comfortable using more specific verbs like 'haeru' (grow) and 'karu' (mow). You might read about environmental issues where 'zassou' are discussed as pests.
At the B2 level, you can use 雑草 in more complex discussions about society and ecology. You might discuss 'josou-zai' (herbicides) and their impact on the environment. You should also understand the nuance of 'zassou' in literature or news, where it might represent the common people or the working class. You can use it in comparisons, such as 'zassou to hana' (weeds and flowers) to discuss value and beauty. Your understanding of the 'zassou-damashii' metaphor should be deep enough to use in a speech or essay about success.
At the C1 level, you should be able to appreciate the philosophical implications of the word. This includes the famous quote by the Showa Emperor that 'there is no such thing as a weed.' You can use the word to discuss urban decay (weeds taking over abandoned buildings) or the sociological concept of the 'zassou' class. You should also be familiar with technical terms like 'gaurai-zassou' (invasive weeds) and how they affect Japanese ecosystems. Your usage should reflect an understanding of register, knowing when to use 'kusamushiri' vs. 'josou'.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 雑草 in all its nuances. You can analyze its use in classical and modern Japanese literature as a symbol of the 'proletariat' or 'indomitable spirit.' You can engage in high-level debates about biodiversity where the definition of 'zassou' is challenged. You understand the historical context of how weeding was a communal activity in Japanese villages. You can use the term with perfect precision in any context, from a scientific paper on botany to a poetic description of a person's life journey.

雑草 en 30 segundos

  • Zassou means 'weed' in Japanese, referring to unwanted plants that grow in gardens or sidewalks.
  • It is a compound of 'miscellaneous' (雑) and 'grass' (草), implying a mix of nameless plants.
  • Metaphorically, it represents resilience and the ability to survive in harsh conditions (Zassou-damashii).
  • Commonly used with verbs like 'nuku' (pull), 'karu' (mow), and 'haeru' (grow).

The Japanese word 雑草 (ざっそう - zassou) is a compound noun that translates directly to "weed." In a literal botanical sense, it refers to plants that grow spontaneously in places where they are not desired, such as gardens, farms, or cracks in the sidewalk. However, in Japanese culture, the term carries a much deeper metaphorical weight than its English counterpart. While an English speaker might see a weed as merely a nuisance, a Japanese speaker often associates the word with resilience, tenacity, and the strength of the common person.

Botanical Context
In gardening and agriculture, it refers to any unwanted vegetation that competes with crops or ornamental plants for nutrients and space. Common verbs used include 抜く (nuku - to pull) and 刈る (karu - to mow/cut).
Metaphorical Context
It describes someone who has grown up in a harsh environment or without elite backing but has developed incredible mental toughness. This is famously encapsulated in the phrase 'Zassou-damashii' (Weed Spirit).

庭の雑草を抜くのは、終わりのない仕事だ。(Pulling weeds in the garden is a never-ending job.)

When you use this word, you are often talking about the mundane struggle of maintaining a home or the admirable struggle of a person overcoming adversity. In sports commentary, an athlete who didn't come from a famous school but succeeds through sheer grit is often called a 'zassou-type' player. This duality makes the word essential for both daily chores and deep character descriptions.

彼は雑草のような逞しさを持っている。(He has a weed-like resilience.)

Daily Life Use
Housewives and gardeners frequently discuss 'zassou taisaku' (weed countermeasures) during the humid summer months when plants grow rapidly.

Using 雑草 correctly involves understanding the verbs that typically accompany it. Because weeds are something that 'grows' and needs to be 'removed,' you will most often see it paired with verbs of growth and elimination. Additionally, since it is a noun, it can be used to modify other nouns using the particle 'no'.

Action: Removal
雑草を抜く (zassou o nuku) means to pull weeds by the roots. 雑草を刈る (zassou o karu) means to mow or cut them down at the surface.
Action: Growth
雑草が生える (zassou ga haeru) means weeds are growing. 雑草が蔓延る (zassou ga habikoru) means weeds are spreading uncontrollably or becoming rampant.

雨の後は、雑草が一気に伸びる。(After the rain, weeds grow all at once.)

In a metaphorical sense, 雑草 is often used as a simile. Using 'no you na' (like a...) allows you to describe a person's character. This is a very common way to express admiration for someone's grit in Japanese culture. Unlike the English 'growing like a weed' (which usually refers to height), the Japanese metaphor refers to the inability to be killed or discouraged.

雑草のように、踏まれても立ち上がる。(Like a weed, I will stand up even if I am stepped on.)

Compound Formations
雑草魂 (zassou-damashii): The 'weed soul' or 'underdog spirit'. 雑草園 (zassou-en): A garden of wild plants (often used ironically).

You will encounter 雑草 in three primary domains of Japanese life: the home garden, the sports arena, and the world of social commentary. Each context utilizes a different nuance of the word, ranging from a physical pest to a symbol of heroic endurance.

At Home and in Neighborhoods
In Japanese residential areas, keeping a clean front is a social expectation. You will hear neighbors apologizing for the 'zassou' in their yard or see signs for 'zassou-yoke' (weed prevention) sheets at home centers like Cainz or Nitori.
In Sports and Shonen Manga
Commentators love the 'zassou' narrative. A player who wasn't scouted out of high school but makes it to the pro leagues is a 'zassou'. You'll hear this in anime like 'Haikyuu!!' or 'Ace of Diamond' to describe gritty players.

彼はエリート街道ではなく、雑草として這い上がってきた。(He didn't take the elite path; he climbed up as a weed.)

In the news, 雑草 might come up in discussions about neglected public spaces or 'akiya' (abandoned houses) where weeds have taken over. In environmental documentaries, it is used to discuss invasive species that threaten local biodiversity. Interestingly, in the business world, a 'zassou' company might be a startup that survives in a market dominated by giants.

空き家が雑草で覆われている。(The abandoned house is covered in weeds.)

While 雑草 is a relatively straightforward noun, English speakers often make mistakes regarding its nuance, its kanji, and the verbs associated with it. Understanding these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Kusa' (Grass)
Many learners use 'kusa' (草) for everything green on the ground. However, 'kusa' is a general term for grass or plants. 'Zassou' specifically implies that the plant is unwanted. If you say 'kusa o nuku', it's okay, but 'zassou o nuku' is more specific about the nature of the plant.
Mistake 2: The 'Growing' Metaphor
In English, 'growing like a weed' means growing very fast (often used for children). In Japanese, saying 'zassou no you ni sodatsu' (growing like a weed) usually implies growing up in a tough environment without much care, rather than just growing tall quickly.

❌ 息子は雑草のように背が伸びた。(My son grew tall like a weed - unnatural in Japanese.)

Another common error is in the writing of the Kanji. The first character 雑 (zatsu) is complex and often confused with similar-looking characters like 難 (nan - difficult) or 離 (ri - separate). Pay close attention to the left-hand side radical. Also, ensure you don't confuse 雑草 with 薬草 (yakusou - medicinal herb), which has a very different meaning!

Japanese has several words for plants and greenery that might overlap with 雑草. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about science, gardening, or aesthetics.

野草 (Yasou)
Translates to 'wild grass' or 'wildflowers'. This is a neutral or positive term. While a 'zassou' is unwanted, a 'yasou' is often appreciated for its natural beauty in the wild.
芝生 (Shibafu)
This means 'lawn' or 'turf'. This is the intentional grass you plant. If 雑草 grows in your 芝生, you have a problem.
道草 (Michikusa)
Literally 'roadside grass', but almost always used in the phrase 'michikusa o kuu' (to loiter or dawdle on the way somewhere).

これは雑草ではなく、貴重な野草です。(This isn't a weed; it's a precious wild plant.)

When discussing the act of removal, you might hear 'kusa-mushiri' (plucking grass). This is more colloquial and specifically refers to the physical act of sitting down and pulling things out with your hands. In a more technical or agricultural context, you might use 'josou' (weeding/weed control).

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The term 'zassou' didn't always have a purely negative connotation; in ancient times, it simply referred to the variety of plants in a field.

Guía de pronunciación

UK za sːoː
US zɑ sːoʊ
The pitch usually starts low on 'za' and rises on 'ssou'.
Rima con
Kansou (乾燥) Dansou (断層) Housou (放送) Tousou (闘争) Gassou (合奏) Yousou (様相) Rousou (老僧) Sansou (山荘)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing it as 'zaso' with a short 'o'. It must be a long 'oo'.
  • Missing the double 's' (sokuon) sound.
  • Confusing it with 'kansou' (dryness) or 'zassho' (miscellaneous books).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The kanji for 'zatsu' is a bit complex for beginners but common.

Escritura 4/5

Writing 'zatsu' (雑) requires careful stroke order.

Expresión oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you remember the long vowel.

Escucha 2/5

Distinctive sound, easy to pick out.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

草 (kusa) 花 (hana) 庭 (niwa) 抜く (nuku) 生える (haeru)

Aprende después

除草 (josou) 逞しい (takumashii) 根性 (konjou) 生命力 (seimeiryoku) 繁殖 (hanshoku)

Avanzado

帰化植物 (kika-shokubutsu - naturalized plant) 群生 (gunsei - growing in clusters) 駆逐 (kuchiku - extermination)

Gramática que debes saber

Noun + だらけ (Full of / Covered in)

庭が雑草だらけだ。

Noun + のような (Like a ...)

雑草のような逞しさ。

Verb (Stem) + まくる (To do intensely)

雑草を抜きまくる。

Conditional ~たら (If/When)

雑草を抜いたら、庭がきれいになった。

Potential Form (Can do)

この雑草は手で抜けます。

Ejemplos por nivel

1

庭に雑草があります。

There are weeds in the garden.

Uses the basic 'ni... ga arimasu' pattern for existence.

2

雑草を抜きます。

I will pull the weeds.

Uses the object marker 'o' with the verb 'nuku'.

3

これは雑草ですか?

Is this a weed?

Basic question form with 'desu ka'.

4

雑草は緑色です。

Weeds are green.

Simple subject-predicate sentence.

5

きれいな雑草ですね。

It's a pretty weed, isn't it?

Uses the 'ne' particle for agreement.

6

雑草がたくさん生えています。

A lot of weeds are growing.

Uses 'takusan' to indicate quantity.

7

お父さんは雑草が嫌いです。

My father hates weeds.

Uses 'ga kirai' to express dislike.

8

雑草を捨ててください。

Please throw away the weeds.

Uses the 'te-form + kudasai' for a request.

1

夏は雑草がすぐに伸びます。

In summer, weeds grow quickly.

Uses 'sugu ni' (quickly) to describe the speed of growth.

2

週末に雑草取りをしました。

I did some weeding over the weekend.

Uses the compound noun 'zassou-tori' (weeding).

3

雑草を抜くのは大変な作業です。

Pulling weeds is a difficult task.

Uses 'no wa' to turn the verb phrase into a subject.

4

この薬は雑草によく効きます。

This medicine (herbicide) works well on weeds.

Uses 'ni kiku' to mean 'to be effective against'.

5

雑草の中に花が咲いています。

Flowers are blooming among the weeds.

Uses 'no naka ni' to indicate location.

6

道端に雑草が生い茂っている。

Weeds are growing thick by the roadside.

Uses 'oi-shigeru' for 'growing thick/luxuriant'.

7

雑草を刈る機械を買いました。

I bought a machine to mow weeds.

Uses a relative clause to describe 'kikai' (machine).

8

公園の雑草がきれいになりました。

The weeds in the park have been cleared (made clean).

Uses 'ni narimashita' to show a change in state.

1

彼は雑草のような逞しさを持っている。

He has a weed-like resilience.

Uses 'no you na' for a simile.

2

雑草魂で最後まで諦めずに戦う。

I will fight until the end without giving up, with a weed spirit.

Uses the cultural concept 'zassou-damashii'.

3

コンクリートの間から雑草が生えてきた。

Weeds grew out from between the concrete.

Highlights the resilience of weeds.

4

どんなに踏まれても、雑草はまた立ち上がる。

No matter how much they are stepped on, weeds stand up again.

Uses 'donna ni ... temo' (no matter how much).

5

放置された庭は、あっという間に雑草だらけになった。

The neglected garden became full of weeds in no time.

Uses '~darake' to mean 'full of/covered in' (negative).

6

雑草を抜くことで、野菜がよく育ちます。

By pulling weeds, the vegetables grow well.

Uses 'koto de' to indicate a means or reason.

7

都会の雑草も、よく見ると美しいものだ。

Even city weeds are beautiful if you look closely.

Uses 'yoku miru to' (if you look closely).

8

彼はエリートではないが、雑草として這い上がってきた。

He is not an elite, but he crawled up as a weed.

Uses 'toshite' to mean 'as/in the capacity of'.

1

雑草の繁殖力は驚異的で、すぐ広がる。

The reproductive power of weeds is phenomenal and they spread quickly.

Uses formal vocabulary like 'hanshoku-ryoku' (reproductive power).

2

外来種の雑草が在来種を脅かしている。

Invasive weed species are threatening native species.

Uses ecological terms like 'gairai-shu' and 'zairai-shu'.

3

定期的な除草作業が、景観の維持には不可欠だ。

Regular weeding work is essential for maintaining the landscape.

4

雑草を単なる邪魔者と見なすのは、人間の勝手だ。

Regarding weeds as mere nuisances is just human selfishness.

Uses 'minasu' (to regard/consider).

5

この地域は雑草が蔓延っており、手入れが必要だ。

Weeds are rampant in this area and need maintenance.

Uses 'habikoru' (to be rampant).

6

雑草の根は深く、簡単には引き抜けない。

The roots of weeds are deep and cannot be pulled out easily.

Uses the potential negative form 'hikinukenai'.

7

彼は雑草のように、どんな環境にも適応できる。

Like a weed, he can adapt to any environment.

Uses 'tekiou' (adaptation).

8

雑草取りのボランティアに参加した。

I participated in a weeding volunteer activity.

Uses 'sanka' (participation).

1

昭和天皇は「雑草という名の植物はない」と仰った。

The Showa Emperor said, 'There is no plant named "weed".'

Uses honorific 'osshatta' for the Emperor.

2

雑草の生命力に、自然の驚異を感じざるを得ない。

I cannot help but feel the wonder of nature in the vitality of weeds.

Uses '~zaru o enai' (cannot help but...).

3

社会の片隅で雑草のように生きる人々に光を当てる。

Shedding light on people living like weeds in the corners of society.

Metaphorical use for marginalized people.

4

都市化が進む一方で、雑草の空地進出が問題となっている。

While urbanization progresses, the invasion of weeds into vacant lots is a problem.

Uses 'ippou de' (on the other hand).

5

雑草の分類学的な定義は、実は非常に曖昧である。

The taxonomic definition of a weed is, in fact, very ambiguous.

Uses academic vocabulary like 'bunrui-gakuteki' (taxonomic).

6

除草剤に対する耐性を持つ雑草、いわゆるスーパーウェードが現れた。

Weeds with resistance to herbicides, so-called super-weeds, have appeared.

Uses 'iwayuru' (so-called).

7

雑草を抜くという行為は、自然を支配しようとする人間のエゴの現れかもしれない。

The act of pulling weeds might be an expression of human ego trying to dominate nature.

Philosophical use of 'araware' (expression/manifestation).

8

踏まれてもなお伸び続ける雑草に、不屈の精神を重ね合わせる。

I overlap the indomitable spirit with the weeds that keep growing even when stepped on.

Uses 'kasane-awaseru' (to overlap/superimpose).

1

雑草の繁茂は、その土地の生態系バランスが崩れた証左であるとも言える。

The overgrowth of weeds can be said to be evidence that the ecological balance of the land has collapsed.

Uses 'shousa' (evidence/proof) and 'hanmo' (overgrowth).

2

万葉集の時代から、雑草は和歌の中で様々な象徴として詠まれてきた。

Since the era of the Manyoshu, weeds have been composed in waka poetry as various symbols.

Historical/Literary context.

3

「雑草」というレッテルを貼ることで、我々はその植物の固有の価値を無視しているのではないか。

By labeling them as 'weeds,' are we not ignoring the inherent value of those plants?

Uses 'retteru o haru' (to label).

4

耕作放棄地の拡大に伴い、雑草の管理が地方自治体の喫緊の課題となっている。

With the expansion of abandoned farmland, weed management has become an urgent issue for local governments.

Uses 'kikkin no kadai' (urgent issue).

5

雑草の持つ極めて高い環境適応能力は、バイオテクノロジーの分野でも注目されている。

The extremely high environmental adaptability of weeds is also attracting attention in the field of biotechnology.

Scientific/Technical register.

6

名もなき雑草が荒野を緑に変えていく様に、歴史の原動力を見る。

I see the driving force of history in the way nameless weeds turn the wilderness green.

Highly metaphorical and literary.

7

雑草を根絶やしにするのではなく、共生する道を模索すべきだという意見もある。

There is also an opinion that we should seek a path of coexistence rather than eradicating weeds completely.

Uses 'nedayashi ni suru' (to eradicate/root out).

8

雑草の力強さは、時に冷徹な文明社会に対する痛烈な批判として機能する。

The strength of weeds sometimes functions as a poignant critique of cold, civilized society.

High-level sociological analysis.

Colocaciones comunes

雑草を抜く
雑草が生える
雑草魂
雑草取り
雑草だらけ
雑草を刈る
雑草対策
雑草の根
雑草のごとく
除草剤

Frases Comunes

雑草魂

— The spirit of a weed; resilience and grit.

彼は雑草魂の持ち主だ。

雑草を引く

— Another way to say 'pulling weeds'.

庭の雑草を引く。

雑草の生い茂る

— Overgrown with weeds.

雑草の生い茂る道。

雑草を分ける

— To push through tall weeds/grass.

雑草を分けて進む。

雑草化する

— To become weed-like or go wild.

植えた花が雑草化した。

雑草の如き

— Like a weed (literary).

雑草の如き生命力。

雑草を除く

— To remove weeds (formal).

田んぼの雑草を除く。

雑草に覆われる

— To be covered in weeds.

古い家が雑草に覆われている。

雑草を燃やす

— To burn weeds.

刈った雑草を燃やす。

雑草と格闘する

— To struggle with weeds (gardening).

今日は一日雑草と格闘した。

Se confunde a menudo con

雑草 vs 野草 (yasou)

Yasou are wild plants (neutral/positive), zassou are unwanted weeds (negative).

雑草 vs 海藻 (kaisou)

Kaisou is seaweed. Sounds similar but very different.

雑草 vs 芝生 (shibafu)

Shibafu is a lawn. You want shibafu, you don't want zassou.

Modismos y expresiones

"雑草魂"

— Refers to the indomitable spirit of someone who succeeds despite hardships.

雑草魂でプロになった。

Common
"雑草のように逞しい"

— As resilient as a weed; able to bounce back from any trouble.

彼女は雑草のように逞しい人だ。

Neutral
"道草を食う"

— To loiter or waste time on the way to a destination.

道草を食わずに帰る。

Common
"根も葉もない"

— Groundless; without any basis (like a plant with no roots or leaves).

それは根も葉もない噂だ。

Common
"草の根"

— Grassroots; the fundamental level of society or an organization.

草の根運動が広がった。

Formal
"草を食む"

— To graze (usually animals), but sometimes used for extreme poverty.

雑草を食んで生き延びる。

Literary
"枯れ木も山の賑わい"

— Anything is better than nothing (even 'weeds' or dead trees fill a mountain).

私のような者でも、枯れ木も山の賑わいです。

Idiomatic
"踏まれても立ち上がる雑草"

— A person who recovers from failure quickly.

彼は踏まれても立ち上がる雑草のようだ。

Metaphorical
"雑草の中の百合"

— A lily among weeds; a person of high quality in a common group.

彼女は雑草の中の百合だ。

Poetic
"雑草を刈って根を絶たず"

— To cut the weeds but not the roots (doing a job halfway).

それでは雑草を刈って根を絶たずだ。

Proverbial

Fácil de confundir

雑草 vs 雑用 (zatsuyou)

Both start with 'zatsu'.

Zatsuyou means 'odd jobs' or 'chores', while zassou is the plant.

雑用に追われる (busy with chores).

雑草 vs 薬草 (yakusou)

Both end with 'sou'.

Yakusou is a medicinal herb, zassou is a weed.

薬草でお茶を作る。

雑草 vs 乾燥 (kansou)

Similar phonetics (sou/sou).

Kansou means dryness.

空気が乾燥している。

雑草 vs 雑木 (zouboku)

Both mean 'miscellaneous' plants.

Zouboku refers to low-value or miscellaneous trees, zassou to grass.

雑木林を歩く。

雑草 vs 草花 (kusabana)

Both involve 'kusa'.

Kusabana refers to flowering plants/wildflowers in a pleasant way.

きれいな草花を摘む。

Patrones de oraciones

A1

[Place] に 雑草 が あります。

庭に雑草があります。

A2

[Time] は 雑草 が [Verb-masu].

夏は雑草がよく伸びます。

B1

雑草 の ように [Adjective] だ。

雑草のように逞しいだ。

B2

雑草 を [Verb-te] 抜く。

雑草を根こそぎ抜く。

C1

雑草 と いう [Noun] は ...

雑草という概念は主観的だ。

C2

[Abstract Noun] を 雑草 に 例える。

人生の苦難を雑草に例える。

B1

雑草 だらけ の [Noun]

雑草だらけの空地。

A2

雑草 を [Verb-te] ください。

雑草を抜いてください。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

除草 (josou) - weeding
草 (kusa) - grass
野草 (yasou) - wild grass
海草 (kaisou) - seaweed

Verbos

除草する (josou suru) - to weed

Adjetivos

草深い (kusabukai) - overgrown with grass

Relacionado

庭 (niwa) - garden
土 (tsuchi) - soil
根 (ne) - root
葉 (ha) - leaf
茎 (kuki) - stem

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high, especially in summer months and sports media.

Errores comunes
  • Using 'zassou' for height growth. Using 'se ga nobiru'.

    In English, 'growing like a weed' refers to height. In Japanese, 'zassou' refers to resilience.

  • Confusing 'zassou' with 'kaisou'. Use 'zassou' for land, 'kaisou' for sea.

    Phonetically similar but contextually opposite.

  • Writing 'zatsu' (雑) with the wrong radical. Use the 'hen' on the left correctly.

    It's a common kanji mistake even for intermediate learners.

  • Saying 'zassou o ueru'. Say 'hana o ueru'.

    You don't 'plant' (ueru) weeds; they grow naturally.

  • Using 'zassou' for herbs. Use 'ha-bu' or 'yakusou'.

    Herbs are useful; weeds are unwanted.

Consejos

Embrace the Spirit

If someone calls you a 'zassou-type' person, take it as a high compliment of your character.

Root it Out

When weeding, always say 'ne-koso-gi' (by the roots) to describe pulling them out completely.

The 'Darake' Rule

Use 'zassou-darake' only when the weeds are messy or unwanted. It has a negative nuance.

Radical Check

Always include the 'grass' radical on top of the 'sou' character.

Pitch Accent

Keep the 'ssou' part high to sound more like a native speaker.

Beyond Weeds

Learn 'josou' (weeding) for formal contexts and 'kusamushiri' for daily life.

Community Cleanups

Joining a neighborhood 'chiiki-seiso' (area cleaning) is a great way to practice 'zassou' related vocabulary.

Kanji Recognition

Look for 雑 in other words like 'zasshi' (magazine) to help remember it.

Similes

Practice the phrase 'zassou no you ni' followed by an adjective like 'tsuyoi' or 'takumashii'.

Visual Aids

Watch a time-lapse of weeds growing to associate the word with rapid, unstoppable growth.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a 'Miscellaneous' (雑) pile of 'Grass' (草) that you don't want in your yard. It's a Zassou!

Asociación visual

Picture a tiny green plant pushing its way through a thick concrete sidewalk in the middle of Tokyo.

Word Web

Garden Pull Green Resilience Summer Dirt Roots Nature

Desafío

Try to find three different types of 'zassou' on your walk today and use the word in a sentence.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from Middle Chinese. The character 雑 (zatsu) means miscellaneous or mixed, and 草 (sou/kusa) means grass or plant.

Significado original: Miscellaneous plants growing together.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when calling a person a 'zassou'; while usually positive (resilient), it can imply someone is unrefined or from a low social background if used poorly.

In English, 'weed' is almost purely negative or refers to marijuana. In Japanese, it's a badge of honor for the hardworking poor.

Showa Emperor's quote on weeds. Masumi Kuwata's 'Zassou-damashii'. The manga/anime 'Hana Yori Dango' (Boys Over Flowers) where the lead girl Makino compares herself to a weed.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Gardening

  • 雑草を抜く
  • 除草剤をまく
  • 草むしりをする
  • 雑草が生い茂る

Sports/Motivation

  • 雑草魂
  • 雑草のように逞しい
  • 這い上がる
  • 不屈の精神

Environmental issues

  • 外来種の雑草
  • 生態系への影響
  • 繁殖力が強い
  • 除草作業

Daily Chores

  • 雑草がひどい
  • 庭の手入れ
  • 草取りをする
  • ゴミ袋に入れる

Urban Scenes

  • アスファルトの隙間
  • 空き地の雑草
  • 放置された庭
  • 緑化

Inicios de conversación

"庭の雑草がすごくて、週末は大変でした。(The weeds in my garden were so bad, I had a hard time this weekend.)"

"雑草魂という言葉をどう思いますか?(What do you think of the phrase 'weed spirit'?)"

"除草剤を使わずに雑草をなくす方法はありますか?(Is there a way to get rid of weeds without using herbicides?)"

"子供の頃、草むしりの手伝いをしましたか?(Did you help with weeding when you were a child?)"

"道端に咲いている雑草の名前を知っていますか?(Do you know the names of the weeds blooming by the roadside?)"

Temas para diario

今日、道端で見つけた雑草について描写してください。(Describe a weed you found by the roadside today.)

自分の中に「雑草魂」があると感じる瞬間はいつですか?(When do you feel you have a 'weed spirit' within you?)

雑草を抜くという作業から学べることは何ですか?(What can be learned from the task of pulling weeds?)

「雑草という名の植物はない」という言葉について、あなたの考えを書いてください。(Write your thoughts on the quote 'There is no plant named "weed".')

もし自分が植物だったら、美しい花になりたいですか、それとも強い雑草になりたいですか?(If you were a plant, would you want to be a beautiful flower or a strong weed?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Literally, yes, it refers to unwanted plants. However, metaphorically it is often used as a compliment for someone who is tough and resilient.

The word is '除草剤' (josou-zai). You can find it in any home center.

It means 'weed spirit.' It describes a person who doesn't give up and can survive even when they are 'stepped on' or ignored.

No. The slang for marijuana is 'kusa' (grass) or 'happa' (leaf), but 'zassou' is never used for it.

'Nuku' means to pull out by the roots. 'Karu' means to cut or mow the top part.

Because it showed his deep respect for all life forms, suggesting that labeling something a 'weed' is a human bias.

It is written as 雑 (miscellaneous) and 草 (grass).

It used to be a common task for students who were late or misbehaved in school, though this is less common now.

Usually after a rain when the soil is soft, or in early summer before they grow too tall.

May 4th is 'Greenery Day' (Midori no Hi), which celebrates all plants, but there is no specific day for weeds.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Describe your garden using the word 'zassou'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Explain what 'zassou-damashii' means in your own words.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using 'zassou' and 'nuku'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

How do weeds grow in the summer? (Use 'zassou' and 'haeru')

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use 'zassou' as a simile to describe a tough person.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe an abandoned house using 'zassou'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a formal announcement for a community weeding day.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

What did the Showa Emperor say about weeds?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Compare 'zassou' and 'hana'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe the feeling of pulling weeds on a hot day.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write about a time you showed 'zassou-damashii'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe the resilience of a plant in the city.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

What is the problem with invasive weeds?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a short story about a weed that wanted to be a flower.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

How do you maintain a lawn? (Use 'zassou')

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

What tools do you use for weeding?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe the appearance of a field full of weeds.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Why is 'zassou' a common theme in manga?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Explain the difference between 'karu' and 'nuku'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a haiku involving the word 'zassou'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce 'zassou' clearly.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Pulling weeds is hard' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe someone with a 'weed spirit'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The garden is full of weeds'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I will pull weeds this weekend'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explain the Showa Emperor's quote in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Don't dawdle on the way' (using michikusa).

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Ask 'Is this a weed?' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Weeds grow quickly in summer'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I hate weeding' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Pull them out by the roots'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'He is resilient like a weed'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I need weed killer'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The weeds are overgrown'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Let's clean the park together'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Nameless weeds are beautiful'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Weeds are growing through the concrete'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I did weeding all day'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Weeds are a nuisance'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The weed has deep roots'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to the word: 'zassou'. What does it mean?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Niwa no zassou o nuku'. What action is happening?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Zassou-damashii de ganbaru'. What is the speaker's attitude?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Josou-zai o kaimashita'. What did they buy?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Zassou-darake no michi'. Describe the road.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Zassou ga haeru'. What are the weeds doing?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Kusamushiri o shimashou'. What is the suggestion?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Zassou no you na takumashisa'. What quality is being praised?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Habikoru zassou'. What is the status of the weeds?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Zassou-tori wa taihen da'. How is the task described?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Karu' vs 'Nuku'. Which one means pulling by roots?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Yasou' vs 'Zassou'. Which one is usually negative?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Zassou no ne wa fukai'. What is deep?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Josou sagyou'. What is the activity?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Zassou o suteru'. What to do with the weeds?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

¿Te ha servido?
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!