Translation and Meaning of: 花瓶 - kabin

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the culture of the country, you may have come across the word 花瓶[かびん]. It may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances about the language and Japanese customs. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and how it is used in everyday life. Furthermore, we will understand why objects like this hold a special role in the aesthetics and tradition of Japan.

Meaning and writing of 花瓶

The word 花瓶 is composed of two kanjis: 花 (hana), which means "flower," and 瓶 (bin), which translates as "vase" or "bottle." Together, they form the term for "flower vase." The reading かびん (kabin) is the most common, but depending on the context, it may appear as はながめ (hanagame) in some regions or specific situations.

It is important to note that 花瓶 refers not to any container, but specifically to those designed for decorative floral arrangements. In Japan, these vases are often associated with ceremonies such as ikebana, the traditional art of flower arrangement. If you visit a Japanese home, you will likely find a 花瓶 in a prominent place, such as the tokonoma (decorative alcove).

Origin and Cultural Use

It is believed that the first flower vases in Japan were influenced by China, where similar objects had been used since the Tang dynasty. Over time, the 花瓶 became an integral part of Buddhist rituals and Japanese culture, especially in practices such as chadō (tea ceremony) and the aforementioned ikebana.

Nowadays, 花瓶 is a commonly used word, but it still maintains a connection to tradition. In department stores or craft fairs, you will find vases that range from modern designs to pieces created by local artisans. An interesting detail is that, in Japan, gifting someone an empty 花瓶 can be seen as an elegant gesture, symbolizing the hope that the person will fill it with flowers and good energy.

Tips for memorizing and using 花瓶

If you want to easily remember this word, one strategy is to associate the kanjis with their literal meaning: "flower vase." Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, like 花瓶に水を入れる (kabin ni mizu o ireru, "put water in the flower vase"). This kind of context helps to fix the vocabulary in a natural way.

For those studying Japanese, observing how 花瓶 appears in animes or dramas can be useful. In domestic scenes or in episodes depicting festivals, the flower vase often makes an appearance, whether as part of the setting or in symbolic moments. Paying attention to these details enriches not only language learning but also cultural understanding.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 壺 (tsubo) - Ceramic vase, pot or container
• かびん (kabin) - Vase for flowers, specifically
• フラワーベース (furawābēsu) - Flower vase, usually made of glass

花瓶

Romaji: kabin
Kana: かびん
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: (flower vase

Meaning in English: (flower) vase

Definition: A container for arranging flowers.

Example Sentences - (花瓶) kabin

See below some example sentences:

この花瓶は美しいですね。

Kono kabin wa utsukushii desu ne

this vase is beautiful

This vase is beautiful.

• この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
• 花瓶 - means "flower vase"
• は - topic particle, indicates that what comes after is the subject of the sentence
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• ね - ending particle indicating confirmation or a search for agreement

床の間には花瓶が置かれています。

Tokonoma ni wa kabin ga okarete imasu

A vase is placed between the floors.

• 床の間 - traditional Japanese alcove, usually located in a tatami room and used to display art or decorative objects
• には - Japanese particle indicating the location of something
• 花瓶 - vase of flowers
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 置かれています - Japanese verb meaning "placed" or "positioned"