Translation guide
In Japanese, 'cherry' usually refers to the fruit (sakuranbo) or the cherry blossom tree (sakura). The word 'cherry' alone often implies the fruit in English, but in Japanese, sakura is overwhelmingly associated with the blossoms and the tree. This guide helps learners choose the right word based on context.
The small, round, edible fruit, typically red or dark red.
The most common word for the cherry fruit. Often written in hiragana, but can be written as 桜ん坊.
さくらんぼを食べたい。
I want to eat cherries.
このさくらんぼは甘い。
These cherries are sweet.
Loanword from English, used in names of dishes, drinks, or products. Less common in everyday speech for the fruit itself.
チェリーパイが好きです。
I like cherry pie.
Formal or botanical term for cherry fruit. Rarely used in conversation.
桜桃の栽培が盛んです。
Cherry cultivation is thriving.
The tree that produces cherry blossoms, or the blossoms themselves, especially in the context of Japanese sakura.
Refers to the cherry tree, especially the ornamental variety known for its blossoms. Also used for the blossoms themselves. This is the iconic Japanese cherry.
春になると桜が咲きます。
Cherry blossoms bloom in spring.
公園に桜の木があります。
There is a cherry tree in the park.
Specifically 'cherry blossoms' (the flowers). Used when you need to distinguish the blossoms from the tree.
桜の花が満開です。
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Literally 'sakuranbo tree', used for fruit-bearing cherry trees. Not common; usually context makes it clear.
庭に桜ん坊の木を植えました。
I planted a cherry tree in the garden.
The wood of the cherry tree, used in furniture or crafts.
Can mean both 'cherry tree' and 'cherry wood'. Context clarifies.
この机は桜の木でできています。
This desk is made of cherry wood.
Technical term for cherry wood as a material. Used in woodworking contexts.
桜材は家具に適しています。
Cherry wood is suitable for furniture.
A bright red color, like that of a cherry fruit.
Loanword for the color 'cherry red'. Commonly used in fashion and design.
チェリーレッドの口紅を買った。
I bought cherry red lipstick.
Pale pink, the color of cherry blossoms. Not the same as cherry red; be careful not to confuse.
This means 'pale pink', not 'cherry red'. Use チェリーレッド for the bright red of the fruit.
桜色の着物が素敵ですね。
The cherry blossom colored kimono is lovely.
In English, 'cherry' can mean both the fruit and the blossom tree. In Japanese, 桜 (sakura) almost always refers to the ornamental tree and its blossoms, while さくらんぼ (sakuranbo) is the fruit. Using 桜 for the fruit will cause confusion.
桜を食べる
eat cherry blossoms (not the fruit)
さくらんぼ is the native Japanese word for the fruit, while チェリー is a loanword. さくらんぼ is more common in everyday speech about the fruit itself. チェリー is often used in compound words (e.g., チェリーパイ) or to sound modern/stylish.
さくらんぼを一袋買いました。
I bought a bag of cherries.
今年は桜がきれいですね。
The cherry blossoms are beautiful this year.