Monday 10 October 2016

word choice - What is the difference between 石{いし}、岩{いわ} and 岩石 {がんせき}?


I'm just a beginner. I think all of them meaning the same, rock. Can anyone explain it for me?



Answer




  • 石【いし】: stone, typically of a few centimeters in size

  • 岩【いわ】: rock, typically of a few meters or more in size

  • 岩石【がんせき】: stones and rocks.


Another important difference is that, as a Sino-Japanese word, 岩石 sounds technical, and used as an academic term for rock in general. In everyday conversations, 石 and 岩 are commonly used.



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