桜(さくら)

桜(さくら) refers to both the cherry tree and its blossoms. It is Japan's unofficial national flower and deeply embedded in the culture.

Common expressions

• 桜(さくら)が咲(さ)く: cherry blossoms bloom
• 桜(さくら)が散(ち)る: cherry blossoms fall/scatter
• 桜(さくら)並木(なみき): row of cherry trees
• 桜(さくら)吹雪(ふぶき): flurry of falling petals

Cultural note

• 花見(はなみ): cherry blossom viewing, a spring tradition of picnicking under the trees
• 桜前線(さくらぜんせん): the cherry blossom front, tracked on weather forecasts as it moves north from late March to May
• 満開(まんかい): full bloom, the peak viewing period

Symbolism

Cherry blossoms symbolize the beauty and transience of life. The brief blooming period connects to the aesthetic of 儚(はかな)さ (fleeting beauty).

Note: When 花(はな) (flower) appears alone in classical or poetic contexts, it often refers specifically to cherry blossoms.