蕾(つぼみ)

つぼみ
noun
bud (flower)
1. bud (of a flower)
An undeveloped or unopened flower. Buds represent potential and the beginning of bloom.
桜(さくら)の蕾(つぼみ)が膨(ふく)らんできた。
The cherry blossom buds are swelling.
蕾(つぼみ)がもうすぐ開(ひら)きそうだ。
The bud looks like it will open soon.
薔薇(ばら)の蕾(つぼみ)は美(うつく)しい。
Rose buds are beautiful.

蕾(つぼみ) refers to flower buds before they open.

Common expressions:

  • 蕾(つぼみ)が膨(ふく)らむ (buds swell)
  • 蕾(つぼみ)が開(ひら)く (buds open)
  • 蕾(つぼみ)のまま (still in bud form)

Figurative usage:

蕾(つぼみ) is used metaphorically for young people with potential, especially young girls:

  • 才能(さいのう)の蕾(つぼみ) (budding talent)
  • まだ蕾(つぼみ)の少女(しょうじょ) (a girl still in her budding years)

Note:
Distinct from 芽(め) (sprout/shoot), which refers to new growth from seeds or stems, while 蕾(つぼみ) specifically refers to unopened flowers.

general
Added 2026.1.14 20:02 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
04000/04368_tsubomi