Word
shinrin yoku
Phoneticsshin·rin-yoku
/ˌʃɪnɹinˈjoʊku/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the practice of spending time in a forest to relax and improve your health. It is not about exercise, but about using your senses to connect with nature.
n. the practice of immersing oneself in a forest environment for therapeutic purposes. Often associated with physiological and psychological benefits such as reduced stress and improved immune function.
Examples
“I try to practice shinrin-yoku every weekend to clear my head.”
“Many doctors now recommend shinrin-yoku as a way to combat the high stress levels found in modern urban life.”
“While some view it as simple hiking, shinrin-yoku requires a meditative focus on the rustle of leaves and the scent of pine to achieve its full restorative effect.”
Examples
simple
“I try to practice shinrin-yoku every weekend to clear my head.”
contextual
“Many doctors now recommend shinrin-yoku as a way to combat the high stress levels found in modern urban life.”
complex
“While some view it as simple hiking, shinrin-yoku requires a meditative focus on the rustle of leaves and the scent of pine to achieve its full restorative effect.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “shinrin yoku” in context.
Verb
01. embrace shinrin-yoku
“Many city dwellers have embraced shinrin-yoku to counter digital overload.”
verb + noun
02. engage in shinrin-yoku
“Visitors can engage in shinrin-yoku along the marked cedar trails.”
verb + prep + noun
03. participate in shinrin-yoku
“Over forty volunteers participated in shinrin-yoku for the study.”
verb + prep + noun
04. practise shinrin-yoku
“She practises shinrin-yoku every weekend to unwind after work.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. authentic shinrin-yoku
“For authentic shinrin-yoku, leave your phone behind and walk slowly.”
adj + noun
06. guided shinrin-yoku
“We joined a guided shinrin-yoku walk to learn how to engage our senses.”
adj + noun
07. mindful shinrin-yoku
“Mindful shinrin-yoku encourages you to breathe deeply and notice sounds.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. benefits of shinrin-yoku
“The long-term benefits of shinrin-yoku include improved sleep and immunity.”
noun + prep + noun
09. a certified shinrin-yoku guide
“A certified shinrin-yoku guide led us slowly through the beech forest.”
10. experience the benefits of shinrin-yoku
“You need only two hours to experience the benefits of shinrin-yoku.”
11. go on a shinrin-yoku retreat
“We went on a shinrin-yoku retreat to disconnect from work and recharge.”
12. practise guided shinrin-yoku regularly
“Her therapist advised her to practise guided shinrin-yoku regularly for anxiety.”
Usage
Often translated into English as 'forest bathing'.
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese, where it literally means 'forest bath'. The term was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 1982 to encourage a healthy lifestyle and protect forests.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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