薔 薇(ばら)

ばら

noun

rose

1. rose

A flowering plant famous for its beautiful, fragrant blooms and thorny stems. Roses symbolize love and beauty.

庭(にわ)に薔薇(ばら)が咲(さ)いている。

Roses are blooming in the garden.

赤(あか)い薔薇(ばら)の花束(はなたば)を贈(おく)った。

I gave a bouquet of red roses.

薔薇(ばら)には棘(とげ)がある。

Roses have thorns.

薔薇(ばら)の香(かお)りがとてもいい。

The scent of roses is wonderful.

母(はは)の日(ひ)に薔薇(ばら)の鉢植(はちう)えをプレゼントした。

I gave a potted rose as a gift on Mother's Day.

薔薇(ばら) refers to roses.

Alternative writing: バラ (katakana, very common)

Common expressions:

薔薇(ばら)の花束(はなたば) (bouquet of roses)
薔薇(ばら)の香(かお)り (scent of roses)
薔薇(ばら)色(いろ) (rose-colored; rosy)
薔薇(ばら)色(いろ)の人生(じんせい) (rosy life; life of happiness)
薔薇(ばら)には棘(とげ)がある (roses have thorns - beauty comes with difficulties)

Counter: 本(ほん) (for stems)

Note:
The kanji 薔薇(ばら) is notoriously difficult to write, so バラ is commonly used. Roses are associated with Western culture but are very popular in Japan. Rose gardens can be found throughout the country, and roses are common gifts for romantic occasions.

core

Added 2026.1.14 20:02 · Revised 2026.5.31 23:33

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