杉

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 杉 is read as すぎ and is a noun for a cedar tree, a straight-growing conifer.
• Basic usage: The tree is the subject in 杉が立つ, while its leaves appear in 杉の葉.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Tree and leaves
  • 杉 names the tree itself; 杉の葉 identifies leaves belonging to that tree.
• Individual and species
  • Context determines whether it means one cedar or cedars as a tree species.