(きく)

きく
noun
chrysanthemum
1. chrysanthemum
A flowering plant with layered petals, deeply significant in Japanese culture. It is the symbol of the Imperial family and appears on the Japanese passport.
(にわ)(きく)()いている。
Chrysanthemums are blooming in the garden.
(あき)になると(きく)(はな)見頃(みごろ)(むか)える。
Chrysanthemums reach their peak bloom in autumn.
仏壇(ぶつだん)(しろ)(きく)(はな)(そな)えた。
I placed white chrysanthemums at the Buddhist altar as an offering.

CULTURAL NOTES:
The chrysanthemum holds special significance in Japan. The sixteen-petal chrysanthemum (菊花紋章(きっかもんしょう)) is the crest of the Imperial family. (きく) is also associated with autumn, longevity, and nobility. White chrysanthemums are commonly used as funeral flowers and offerings at altars.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • (きく)(はな) (chrysanthemum flower)
  • 菊人形(きくにんぎょう) (chrysanthemum doll display)
  • (きく)花展(かてん) (chrysanthemum exhibition)
  • 食用菊(しょくようぎく) (edible chrysanthemum)