コスモス

こすもす
noun
cosmos (flower)
1. cosmos
An autumn-blooming flower with delicate petals, typically pink, white, or crimson. Very popular in Japan as a symbol of autumn.
(あき)になるとコスモスが()く。
Cosmos bloom when autumn comes.
コスモス(ばたけ)()()った。
I went to see a cosmos field.
ピンクと(しろ)のコスモスが(かぜ)()れている。
Pink and white cosmos are swaying in the wind.

JAPANESE NAME:
Also called 秋桜(こすもす) using ateji (phonetic kanji usage), where (あき) (autumn) + (さくら) (cherry blossom) reflects its status as an autumn flower with cherry blossom-like beauty.

ORIGIN:
Originally from Mexico, introduced to Japan in the Meiji era. The name comes from Greek "kosmos" meaning order/harmony.

SEASONAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Cosmopolitan cosmos is a (あき)季語(きご) (autumn seasonal word) in haiku and represents:

  • Autumn scenery
  • Delicate beauty
  • Transience

FAMOUS VIEWING SPOTS:

  • 昭和記念公園(しょうわきねんこうえん) (Tokyo)
  • 万博記念公園(ばんぱくきねんこうえん) (Osaka)
  • Various コスモス{祭(まつ)り|cosmos festivals} across Japan

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • コスモスが()く (cosmos bloom)
  • コスモス(ばたけ) (cosmos field)
  • コスモスの(はな) (cosmos flower)
  • 一面(いちめん)のコスモス (a field covered with cosmos)