Cherry blossoms, or sakura (桜 / さくら), are more than just pretty flowers in Japan – they are a symbol of new beginnings and beauty.
Every spring, these delicate pink blossoms cover the country, inviting people to enjoy hanami (花見 / はなみ), which means ‘flower viewing’.
In Japan, cherry blossoms remind us of the start of spring and how life can change quickly, encouraging us to cherish every moment.
Let’s explore some key words that will help you appreciate this special part of Japanese culture!
Essential Japanese cherry blossom vocabulary
桜 (sakura) – Cherry blossom
Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom – the famous flower that is a symbol of Japan!
Sakura flowers blossom and then drop, all within a couple of weeks. This symbolises beauty, the shortness of life, and the need to appreciate each moment.
Every spring, these pink flowers bloom across the country, attracting people to enjoy their beauty during the short window when the flowers are still on the trees.
花見 (hanami) – Flower viewing
Hanami is the tradition of viewing cherry blossoms. It’s more than just looking at flowers; it’s a social event where friends and family gather for picnics, barbecues and parties under the trees.
This practice is a core part of Japanese cultural life. It celebrates spring and strengthens social bonds.
If you are lucky enough to travel to Japan during spring, hanami is not to be missed!
満開 (mankai) – Full bloom
Mankai describes the moment when cherry blossoms are fully open and at their most beautiful. This is the perfect time for hanami parties, as the trees are covered in pink and white petals.
散る (chiru) – To fall (petals)
Chiru is a verb meaning ‘to fall’. It is used specifically about petals and leaves.
The moment when cherry blossom petals fall from the trees is a beautiful yet bittersweet sight, reminding us of the temporary nature of life.
桜前線 (sakura zensen) – Cherry blossom front
The sakura zensen is the path of blooming cherry blossoms moving from south to north in Japan. It’s covered on the daily news during cherry blossom season, just like the weather reports!
People follow news of this ‘front’ religiously to plan their hanami outings, highlighting the importance of cherry blossoms in Japanese culture.
桜の季節 (sakura no kisetsu) – Cherry blossom season
Sakura no kisetsu means the time of year when cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan. It’s a special season that marks the beginning of spring.
People look forward to this time to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms and participate in hanami gatherings with friends and family.
桜吹雪 (sakura fubuki) – Cherry blossom blizzard
Sakura fubuki describes when cherry blossom petals fall from the trees like snowflakes. This beautiful scene happens at the end of the blooming season, creating a pink carpet on the ground. It’s a lovely reminder of how quickly beauty can pass.
夜桜 (yozakura) – Night cherry blossoms
Yozakura is the practice of viewing cherry blossoms at night. The blossoms are often lit up with lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. This nighttime viewing offers a peaceful and unique way to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Some towns hold yozakura festivals. Some people just like to go to yozakura on their own, for the romantic and atmospheric experience.
桜色 (sakura iro) – Cherry blossom colour
Sakura iro is the soft pink colour of cherry blossoms. This gentle shade is often used in design and fashion to represent the beauty and freshness of spring. It’s a colour that captures the essence of cherry blossoms perfectly.
花冷え (hanabie) – Chilly spring weather
Hanabie refers to the sudden cold spells during the cherry blossom season. The kanji literally mean ‘flower’ (花) and ‘chill’ (冷). Despite the cold, hanabie adds a unique charm to the cherry blossom experience. Just remember to wrap up warm!
More common cherry blossom phrases
Cherry blossoms are not only a beautiful sight but also a rich part of Japanese language and culture!
Here are some more common phrases related to cherry blossoms that you might hear during the blooming season. These expressions capture the essence of the cherry blossom experience, from the joy of seeing the first blooms to the gentle fall of petals.
Whether you’re planning a hanami outing or simply enjoying the view, these phrases will help you express the beauty and wonder of sakura.
- 桜が咲いた (sakura ga saita) – The cherry blossoms have bloomed.
- 花見に行こう (hanami ni ikou) – Let’s go to see the cherry blossoms.
- 桜が散っている (sakura ga chitte iru) – The cherry blossoms are falling.
- 桜が見頃 (sakura ga migoro) – The cherry blossoms are at their best.
- 桜の香り (sakura no kaori) – The scent of cherry blossoms
- 桜を楽しむ (sakura o tanoshimu) – Enjoy the cherry blossoms
- 桜の下で (sakura no shita de) – Under the cherry blossoms
Cherry blossom time!
As we’ve seen, cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a big part of Japanese culture. They remind us to enjoy life’s fleeting moments of beauty. Plus, they’re simply delightful to look at!
Whether you’re enjoying a hanami picnic under the trees or watching the petals fall, these words and phrases will help you talk about the cherry blossom season.
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Do you know any other fun cherry blossom words or phrases? Let us know in the comments!
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Rebecca is the founder of Team Japanese. She spent two years teaching English in Ehime, Japan. Now back in the UK, she spends her time blogging, self-studying Japanese and wrangling a very genki toddler.