Japanese Word for

hana

flower · blossom · beauty

Readings

  • ONka
  • KUNはなhana

Meaning

Flower, blossom, bloom, beauty, the best. 花 (hana) means flower but also carries meanings of beauty and excellence. Cherry blossoms (桜 — sakura) are Japan's most iconic flower.

sakura

cherry blossom

花火

hanabi

fireworks (flower fire)

花見

hanami

cherry blossom viewing

生け花

ikebana

Japanese flower arrangement art

花道

kadō / hanamichi

flower arrangement (kadō) / kabuki stage walkway

花嫁

hanayome

bride (flower bride)

花見 (hanami — flower viewing) is one of Japan's most beloved traditions. Every spring, millions gather under cherry blossom trees for picnics and celebrations. The blooms last only about two weeks, embodying 物の哀れ (mono no aware — the bittersweet beauty of impermanence) — one of Japan's deepest aesthetic concepts.

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