1.
petal
One of the colored segments that form a flower. Petals protect the reproductive parts and attract pollinators.
桜の花弁が風に舞っている。
Cherry blossom petals are dancing in the wind.
この花は花弁が五枚ある。
This flower has five petals.
花弁が散り始めた。
The petals have started to fall.
白い花弁が一枚ずつ落ちていく。
The white petals are falling one by one.
雨に打たれて花弁がすっかり落ちてしまった。
The petals all fell off after being beaten by the rain.
花弁 refers to flower petals.
Alternative reading: 花弁 (more colloquial)
Common expressions:
- 花弁が散る (petals scatter/fall)
- 花弁が開く (petals open)
- 一重 (single-petaled)
- 八重 (double-petaled, many petals)
Counter: 枚
Note:
花弁 is the formal/scientific term, while 花弁 is more commonly used in everyday speech. The poetic image of cherry blossom petals (桜の花弁) scattering in the wind is iconic in Japanese culture.