Translation and Meaning of: 桜 - sakura

The Japanese word 桜[さくら] is one of the most iconic and culturally significant in the language. Known for representing the cherry blossom or its tree, it goes beyond the literal meaning, carrying profound symbolism in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore what this word means, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and why it is so special to the Japanese. If you are learning Japanese or are simply interested in Japan's culture, understanding 桜[さくら] is essential.

In addition to uncovering the meaning and writing of this word, we will explore its use in different contexts, from informal conversations to artistic expressions. You will also discover how to memorize it more easily and why it appears so frequently in animes, music, and traditional festivals. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide the best content for those who want to truly master Japanese, so let's get straight to the point.

Meaning and writing of 桜[さくら]

The word 桜[さくら] refers to the cherry tree, the tree that produces the famous sakura flowers, one of Japan’s most recognized symbols. The kanji 桜 is composed of the radical 木 (wood/tree) combined with 嬰 (which alludes to something delicate), reinforcing the idea of a tree of fragile beauty. The reading さくら (sakura) is the most common in daily life, although the same kanji can also be read as "ou" in more formal or literary contexts.

In Japan, sakura is not just a flower, but a cultural phenomenon. Its blooming marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated in festivals throughout the country. The word often appears in songs, poems, and even in people's names, highlighting its importance. If you have ever watched an anime or a Japanese film, you have probably encountered scenes of characters appreciating the sakura flowers – a moment that goes beyond aesthetics, representing the transience of life.

Everyday use and common expressions

In daily life, the Japanese use 桜[さくら] in various ways. One of the most common is in the expression 花見[はなみ] (hanami), which means "flower viewing" and specifically refers to the tradition of appreciating sakura in the spring. Phrases like "桜が咲いた" (sakura ga saita – "the cherry blossoms have bloomed") are frequently heard during this time of year, marking an event that brings families and friends together for picnics under the trees.

Furthermore, the word appears in less literal contexts. For example, in some regional dialects, "さくら" can be used to refer to something or someone that appears beautiful but is fleeting. There are also expressions such as 桜吹雪[さくらふぶき] (sakura fubuki), which describe the "storm of petals" when the flowers fall in the wind. These uses illustrate how the Japanese language is deeply connected to nature and its metaphors.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

If you are learning Japanese, a good way to memorize 桜[さくら] is to associate it with images of the flower or cultural moments, such as hanami. Another tip is to remember that the kanji has the radical 木 (tree), which helps differentiate it from other terms. The pronunciation "sakura" is also similar in many languages, making it easier to remember.

An interesting fact is that, during the Edo period, sakuras were used by the government to symbolize the transience of life, encouraging samurais to cherish every moment. In addition, there are over 200 varieties of cherry trees in Japan, each with unique characteristics. This richness of details means that the word 桜[さくら] carries much more than a simple botanical meaning – it is part of Japanese identity.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• さくら (sakura) - cherry blossom
• チェリー (cherī) - Cherry
• 櫻 (sakura) - Cherry blossom (traditional form)
• 樱花 (yīnghuā) - Cherry blossom (simplified Chinese)

桜

Romaji: sakura
Kana: さくら
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Cherry Blossom; Cherry tree

Meaning in English: cherry blossom;cherry tree

Definition: A tree that blooms pink and white flowers in the spring, a representative flower of Japan.

Example Sentences - (桜) sakura

See below some example sentences:

桜が咲く春は美しいです。

Sakura ga saku haru wa utsukushii desu

The spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom is beautiful.

The spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom are beautiful.

• 桜 (さくら) - cherry blossom
• が - subject particle
• 咲く (さく) - to blossom
• 春 (はる) - spring
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい (うつくしい) - pretty, beautiful
• です - polite way of being

至る所に桜が咲いている。

Muguru tokoro ni sakura ga saite iru

Cherry blossoms are blooming everywhere.

Cherry blossoms are blooming everywhere.

• 至る所に - means "everywhere" or "everywhere". It is made up of the kanji 至る (itaru), which means "to reach" or "to attain", and 所 (tokoro), which means "place". It's a common expression in Japanese.
• 桜が - means "the cherry trees are". 桜 (sakura) is the Japanese word for "cherry tree" and is an important symbol of Japanese culture. The kanji が (ga) is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 咲いている - means "blooming" or "in flower". It is made up of the kanji 咲く (saku), which means "to bloom", and ている (teiru), which is a conjugation of the verb いる (iru), which indicates a continuous state or action. It is a common expression to describe flowers in Japanese.

最も美しい花は桜です。

Saikō mo utsukushii hana wa sakura desu

The most beautiful flower is the cherry tree.

The most beautiful flower is cherry flowers.

• 最も - more
• 美しい - beautiful
• 花 - flower
• は - is
• 桜 - cherry blossom
• です - is (polite way of putting it)

春は桜の季節です。

Haru wa sakura no kisetsu desu

Spring is cherry blossom season.

Spring is cherry blossom season.

• 春 (haru) - spring
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 桜 (sakura) - cherry blossom
• の (no) - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• 季節 (kisetsu) - Estação do Ano
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense

所々に桜の花が咲いている。

Tokoro tokoro ni sakura no hana ga saite iru

The cherry blossoms are blooming here and there.

Cherry blossoms are blooming in some places.

• 所々に - indicates that something is spread out or distributed in various places
• 桜の花が - Cherry blossoms
• 咲いている - are blooming