芽 means bud, sprout, or the early sign of something.
LITERAL MEANING (plants):
FIGURATIVE MEANING (beginnings):
Common expressions
- 芽を摘む: to nip in the bud (prevent early)
- 芽を育てる: to nurture (talent, potential)
- 芽が出る: to sprout, to show early promise
Watch out
- 芽: bud, sprout (plant)
- 目: eye