Word in Japanese/nature
Cherry blossom in Japanese
Cherry blossom translates as 桜 (sakura). Below is a full breakdown with stroke counts, alternate writings, an example sentence, and tattoo design notes.
What it means
桜 (sakura, さくら) means cherry blossom.
| Kanji | Meaning | Strokes | On'yomi | Kun'yomi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 桜 | cherry blossom | 10 | ou | sakura |
Alternate writings
Japanese often offers more than one valid kanji for a concept. The alternates below carry slightly different nuance — read them carefully before choosing.
traditional pre-1946 form of the same character, used for ornamental or historical writing
Compounds and related words
Common Japanese vocabulary built around this kanji.
| Word | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 桜花 | ouka | cherry blossom (literary) |
| 夜桜 | yozakura | cherry blossoms at night |
| 花見 | hanami | flower viewing, traditionally cherry blossoms |
Example sentence
春に桜が満開になる。
Haru ni sakura ga mankai ni naru.
Cherry blossoms reach full bloom in spring.
Tattoo design notes
桜 is the modern kanji and the standard tattoo choice. 櫻 is the traditional form, more ornate and visually heavy — preferred for classical or calligraphy-style tattoos. Sakura is also the most widely used Japanese given name, so the character carries warm personal connotations as well as the famous floral imagery.
Cultural notes
Cherry blossoms symbolise the impermanence of life (mono no aware) in Japanese aesthetics — they bloom briefly, then fall. Hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) is a centuries-old tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say cherry blossom in Japanese?
Cherry blossom in Japanese is 桜, romanised as sakura and written in hiragana as さくら. Cherry blossoms symbolise the impermanence of life (mono no aware) in Japanese aesthetics — they bloom briefly, then fall. Hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) is a centuries-old tradition.
What does the kanji 桜 mean?
桜 means "cherry blossom" (10 strokes; on'yomi: ou; kun'yomi: sakura). Together the word reads as sakura.
What is the difference between 桜 and 櫻?
桜 (sakura) is the standard form: Cherry blossoms symbolise the impermanence of life (mono no aware) in Japanese aesthetics — they bloom briefly, then fall. Hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) is a centuries-old tradition.. 櫻 (sakura) is different — traditional pre-1946 form of the same character, used for ornamental or historical writing. Pick based on the exact nuance you want to convey.
Is 桜 a good kanji for a tattoo?
桜 is the modern kanji and the standard tattoo choice. 櫻 is the traditional form, more ornate and visually heavy — preferred for classical or calligraphy-style tattoos. Sakura is also the most widely used Japanese given name, so the character carries warm personal connotations as well as the famous floral imagery.
How do you write cherry blossom in hiragana?
In hiragana, cherry blossom is written as さくら, which represents the sound sakura. The kanji form 桜 is used in everyday writing; hiragana is used when the kanji is too difficult, for emphasis, or in children's text.
Studying in Japan?
Learning Japanese because you want to live, study, or work in Japan? Here is the path most people miss until it is too late.
Studying in Japan from India
Complete 2027 guide for Indian students — MEXT, fees, COE, JLPT timeline.
Read the guide →MEXT Scholarship 2027
Full tuition + ¥143,000/month + airfare. The complete application guide.
Read the guide →Cheapest Japanese universities
Lowest-cost universities for international graduate students with full tuition table.
Read the guide →Translate another word
Use the main Word in Japanese tool to look up any of 30+ curated English words with kanji, hiragana, romaji, and tattoo design notes.
Open Word in Japanese