Matsu
/ˈmɑːt.suː/noun
A Japanese pine tree, especially the Japanese black pine or red pine.
Did you know?In Japan, matsu is associated with longevity, steadfastness, and the New Year; pine branches are traditionally displayed as part of kadomatsu, a doorway decoration welcoming protective spirits.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Japanese
Japanese
matsu
“Pine tree; the word is also associated in Japanese tradition with waiting and enduring, though the noun and verb have distinct written forms.”
Old Japanese
OJ
matu
“Pine tree; an early recorded form of the modern Japanese word.”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
まつ / 松
“Pine; the character 松 identifies the tree in written Japanese.”
Medieval Japanese
Japanese
matsu
“Pine tree, including the evergreen trees used in poetry and religious symbolism.”
Modern English
English
matsu
“A Japanese pine, used mainly in botanical, horticultural, and cultural writing.”