芽 生(めば)え

めばえ

noun

sprouting, budding, beginning

See also: 芽生(めば)える (verb form)

1. sprouting, budding

The emergence of a plant sprout or bud from a seed or root.

In spring, you can see plants sprouting.

Sprouts emerged from the seeds.

I feel the budding of new life.

2. beginning, awakening

The first signs or emergence of feelings, ideas, or developments (figurative).

I felt the beginning of love.

There was an awakening sense of justice within him.

I want to cherish the budding curiosity in children.

芽生(めば)え has both a literal botanical meaning (sprouting) and a widely used figurative meaning (the beginning of feelings or ideas).

芽生(めば)える: to sprout, to bud, to begin to develop

The metaphor of a delicate new sprout conveys beginnings that are fragile but full of potential. It is often used in literary and emotional contexts.

Related Words

Related: 芽(め) (bud, sprout)

general

Added 2026.2.5 11:52 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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