花

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 春に花が咲きます。▶ —
   Flowers bloom in spring.
2. お花見に行きませんか。▶ —
   Shall we go cherry-blossom viewing?

Collocations

Mnemonic

花 hana — one kanji, many extensions. Alone = flower. お花見 (ohanami) = the spring tradition of viewing 桜 (cherry blossoms) — a season-signature of Japanese culture. 花火 (hanabi, "fire flower") = fireworks. 花束 (hanataba) = bouquet. 花言葉 (hanakotoba) = the "language of flowers", a Victorian English tradition imported to Japan. Metaphorical extensions: 言葉の花 (flowers of words = poetry, literature), 花も実もある ("has both flower and fruit" = substantive and beautiful). One kanji spans aesthetics, seasonal ritual, language, and character.

Quick check

1. Meaning of the idiom 花も実もある?

   • Both beautiful and substantive (a balanced person or work)
   • Garden full of flowers
   • Good harvest
   • Plant with both flower and fruit