| Japanese Flowers in Provebs | |
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There are quite a few Japanese proverbs that include flowers. Flower is "hana" in Japanese. Although "hana" also means "nose", it should be obvious by the context what is meant, so don't worry. Also, they appear different when written in kanji (as they do not share the same kanji characters). Click here to learn the kanji character for flowers.
Here are some expressions including the word flower.
Iwanu ga hana 言わぬが花
Literally translated as, "Not speaking is the flower." It means, "Some things are better left unsaid; Silence is golden."
Takane no hana 高嶺の花
Literally translated as, "Flower on a high peak." It means, "something out of one's reach." Some things are beautiful to look at, but realistically, there is no way you can get them. The object might be something that you want very much but can't have it.
Hana ni arashi 花に嵐
There is a famous Japanese saying, "Tsuki ni muragumo, hana ni arashi (Clouds over the moon, a storm over blossoms)". This idiom is a shortened version of, "XXXX". It means that life often brings misfortune at a time of great happiness.
Hana yori dango 花より団子
Literally translated as, "Dumplings rather than flowers". It means that the practical is preferred over the aesthetic. In spring, the Japanese traditionally go to the countryside or parks for flower viewing (hanami). However, they often seem to be more interested in eating or drinking alcohol than appreciating the beauty of the flowers. It is an example of the fickle nature of humans.
Tonari no hana wa akai 隣の花は赤い
Literally translated as, "The neighbor's flowers are red". It means that the grass is always greener on the other side. There is also another saying, "Tonari no shibafu wa aoi (The neighbor's lawn is green)".
Other Idioms
| Hanashi ni hana ga saku 話に花が咲く |
To have a lively discussion. |
| Hana o motaseru 花を持たせる |
To let someone have the credit for something. |
| Hana o sakaseru 花を咲かせる |
To succeed. |
| Hana to chiru 花と散る |
To die gracefully. |
| Ryoute ni hana 両手に花 |
To have a double advantage, to be between two pretty women. |
Flower Vocabulary
| asagao 朝顔 |
morning glory |
| kiku 菊 |
chrysanthemum |
| suisen 水仙 |
daffodil |
| bara 薔薇 |
rose |
| yuri 百合 |
lily |
| himawari ひまわり |
sunflower |
| chuurippu チューリップ |
tulip |
| hinagiku ひなぎく |
daisy |
| ayame あやめ |
iris |
| ran 蘭 |
orchid |
| kosumosu コスモス |
cosmos |
| sumire すみれ |
violet |
| tanpopo タンポポ |
dandelion |
| ajisai あじさい |
hydrangea |
| suiren 睡蓮 |
water lily |
Click here to read the article "Relationships with Nature: Cherry Blossom."
