Translation and Meaning of: 花びら - hanabira

The word 「花びら」 (hanabira) is a charming Japanese expression that means "flower petal." The origin of the word is quite straightforward, yet still interesting. It is composed of two kanji: 「花」 (hana), which means "flower," and the hiragana particle 「びら」, which derives from 「片」 (hira), meaning "leaf" or "piece." Thus, the combination of the terms results in the literal translation of "piece of flower," or, more appropriately, "petal."

The etymology of the hiragana part「びら」is interesting because of its association with "hira," which involves the notion of something finely flat or divided, such as a leaf or a piece of paper. During the evolution of the Japanese language, this form evolved to fit the poetic and natural context in which the petals of flowers were often described, becoming an integral part of the vocabulary associated with flowers in Japan.

In Japanese culture, flower petals, or 「花びら」, are often associated with ephemeral beauty and the cycle of the seasons, particularly during spring with the blooming of cherry blossoms 「桜」(sakura). These images of falling petals are a recurring theme in poetry and visual arts in Japan, symbolizing the transience of life. Moreover, the appreciation of flowers, or 「花見」(hanami), is a popular tradition, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual significance of the 「花びら」.

Furthermore, 「花びら」 is often used in literary and artistic contexts to convey sensations of delicacy and fragility. These petals, when carried by the wind, can also symbolize a lyrical journey, connecting to human emotions, such as the transience of happy moments in life. Thus, the word serves not only as a physical description but resonates with feelings and traditions deeply rooted in Japanese society.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 桜の花びら (Sakura no habibira) - Cherry blossom petals
• バラの花びら (Bara no habibira) - Rose petals
• チューリップの花びら (Chūrippu no habibira) - Tulip petals
• 菊の花びら (Kiku no habibira) - Chrysanthemum petals
• ヒマワリの花びら (Himawari no habibira) - Sunflower petals
• アジサイの花びら (Ajisai no habibira) - Hydrangea petals
• ユリの花びら (Yuri no habibira) - Lily petals
• カーネーションの花びら (Kānēshon no habibira) - Carnation petals
• ランの花びら (Ran no habibira) - Orchid petals

花びら

Romaji: hanabira
Kana: はなびら
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: (flower petal

Meaning in English: (flower) petal

Definition: A piece of flower.

Example Sentences - (花びら) hanabira

See below some example sentences:

風に舞う花びらが美しいです。

Kaze ni mau hanabira ga utsukushii desu

The petals dancing in the wind are beautiful.

The petals dancing in the wind are beautiful.

• 風に舞う - meaning "dancing in the wind", is an expression that describes the action of flower petals being carried by the wind.
• 花びら - means "flower petals".
• が - is a grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "flower petals".
• 美しい - means "beautiful".
• です - is a grammatical particle that indicates the end of a sentence and is also used to indicate respect or formality.

花びらが散る。

Hanabira ga chiru

Flower petals fall.

Pedos are scattered.

• 花びら - flower petals
• が - subject particle
• 散る - fall, spread

花びらが舞い落ちる季節が好きです。

Hanabira ga mai ochiru kisetsu ga suki desu

I like the season when the flower petals fall.

I like the season when the petals fall.

• 花びら - flower petals
• が - subject particle
• 舞い落ちる - falling, dancing, floating
• 季節 - Estação do Ano
• が - subject particle
• 好きです - like, appreciate