Meaning
The kanji 桜 (sakura) primarily refers to 'cherry blossoms' or a 'cherry tree' in Japanese. This is one of Japan's most iconic and culturally significant kanji, representing the ephemeral beauty and transient nature of life—a concept deeply ingrained in Japanese aesthetics. The cherry blossom, or sakura, is not just a flower; it's a symbol deeply intertwined with Japanese identity, celebrated in art, literature, and daily life.
The character 桜 is made up of two main parts: the radical 木 (ki), meaning 'tree,' on the left, and 嬰 (ei), a phonetic component, on the right. While 嬰 itself means 'infant' or 'baby,' and can also imply 'to surround' or 'adorn,' in this context, it's thought to evoke the image of abundant, delicate blossoms adorning a tree. This combination vividly depicts a 'tree' (木) adorned with numerous small, 'baby-like' flowers (嬰), perfectly capturing the essence of a cherry tree in bloom.
Its visual shape directly connects to its meaning. The 木 radical clearly establishes its botanical nature, while the phonetic component 嬰 evokes the delicate, often profuse clusters of tiny blossoms characteristic of cherry trees. This kanji has 10 strokes and is not one of the Kyoiku (education) kanji taught in elementary school. Instead, it is a Jōyō kanji (common-use kanji) typically learned at a higher level, often associated with JLPT N1 due to its cultural importance and prevalence in advanced texts.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi reading for 桜 is オウ (Ō). Derived from Chinese, this reading is generally used in more formal, botanical, or specialized compound words. You'll often see it when referring to the genus Prunus or in scientific classifications related to cherries.
- 桜花 (ōka) — cherry blossoms (often used in a poetic or classical context)
- 桜桃 (ōtō) — cherry (referring specifically to the fruit)
- 桜樹 (ōju) — cherry tree (a more formal or botanical term for the tree)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi reading of 桜 is さくら (sakura). This is by far the most common and direct reading, used universally for cherry blossoms, the cherry tree, and the cherry blossom season. It's even a popular given name for girls. It embodies the essence of Japanese spring and culture.
- 桜 (sakura) — cherry blossom; cherry tree (the most common usage)
- 山桜 (yamazakura) — wild cherry tree (literally "mountain cherry")
- 葉桜 (hazakura) — cherry tree with new leaves after the blossoms fall (literally "leaf cherry")
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 桜 appears in numerous words and compounds, reflecting its profound cultural impact in Japan. These words often relate to nature, seasons, traditional events, and even specific colors or foods.
Nature & Seasons
- 桜並木 (sakuranamiki) — cherry tree-lined street
- お花見 (ohanami) — cherry blossom viewing (a traditional spring event, literally "flower viewing")
- 夜桜 (yozakura) — cherry blossoms at night (often illuminated)
- 桜吹雪 (sakurafubuki) — falling cherry blossoms (like a snowstorm, a beautiful and poignant image)
- 桜前線 (sakurazensen) — cherry blossom front (the progression of the cherry blossom bloom across Japan)
Colors & Patterns
- 桜色 (sakurairo) — cherry blossom pink (a delicate, pale pink color)
- 桜柄 (sakuragara) — cherry blossom pattern (often found on kimonos, tableware, and other traditional items)
Food & Culture
- 桜餅 (sakuramochi) — cherry blossom rice cake (a traditional spring confection)
- 桜湯 (sakurayu) — cherry blossom tea (made from pickled cherry blossoms, served for celebrations)
Figurative & Poetic
- 散り桜 (chirizakura) — scattered cherry blossoms (symbolizing transience and beauty in departure)
- 桜梅桃李 (ōbaitōri) — cherry, plum, peach, and apricot (an idiom meaning each has its own unique beauty, implying individuality)
Example Sentences
公園の桜が満開でとてもきれいでした。
Kōen no sakura ga mankai de totemo kirei deshita.
The cherry blossoms in the park were in full bloom and very beautiful.
毎年春になると、皆で桜を見に行きます。
Maitoshi haru ni naru to, minna de sakura o mi ni ikimasu.
Every spring, everyone goes to see the cherry blossoms.
京都の夜桜は幻想的な美しさがあります。
Kyōto no yozakura wa gensōteki na utsukushisa ga arimasu.
The cherry blossoms at night in Kyoto have a magical beauty.
風が吹くと、桜吹雪が舞い上がった。
Kaze ga fuku to, sakurafubuki ga maiagatta.
When the wind blew, a blizzard of cherry blossoms danced up.
この道は美しい桜並木で有名です。
Kono michi wa utsukushii sakuranamiki de yūmei desu.
This road is famous for its beautiful cherry tree-lined street.
天気予報で桜前線の情報を確認しました。
Tenki yohō de sakurazensen no jōhō o kakunin shimashita.
I checked the cherry blossom front information on the weather forecast.
彼女は桜色の着物を着ていました。
Kanojo wa sakurairo no kimono o kite imashita.
She was wearing a cherry blossom pink kimono.
日本を代表する花といえば、やはり桜でしょう。
Nihon o daihyō suru hana to ieba, yahari sakura deshō.
If you talk about Japan's representative flower, it must be the cherry blossom.
桜の香りが春の訪れを告げています。
Sakura no kaori ga haru no otozure o tsugete imasu.
The scent of cherry blossoms announces the arrival of spring.
あの桜の木の下で、私たちは初めて出会いました。
Ano sakura no ki no shita de, watashitachi wa hajimete deaimashita.
Under that cherry tree, we met for the first time.
Memory Tip
To help remember 桜, focus on its two main components. On the left, you'll find 木 (ki), the radical for 'tree.' This immediately tells you the kanji refers to a type of plant or tree. On the right is the component 嬰 (ei), which resembles a child or baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, or perhaps something small and delicate being surrounded. Imagine a beautiful 'tree' (木) adorned with a profusion of tiny, delicate 'baby' (嬰) flowers, clustering together to create the stunning spectacle of cherry blossoms. Alternatively, visualize the individual blossoms as tiny, precious things 'surrounding' the branches of the 'tree'. This visual connection helps link the complex right-hand side to the characteristic appearance of sakura.