Translation guide
The chrysanthemum is a flower deeply embedded in Japanese culture, appearing in art, the imperial crest, and seasonal traditions. This guide covers how to refer to the flower, its cultural significance, and related expressions.
Referring to the chrysanthemum plant or bloom in everyday contexts.
The standard word for chrysanthemum. Used in most contexts, from gardening to flower arrangements.
庭に菊が咲いています。
Chrysanthemums are blooming in the garden.
菊の花を花瓶に生けました。
I arranged chrysanthemums in a vase.
Katakana form, often used in botanical or scientific contexts, or for emphasis.
キクはキク科の植物です。
Chrysanthemums are plants of the Asteraceae family.
Discussing the chrysanthemum as a symbol of Japan, the imperial family, or in traditional arts.
The Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest, a 16-petal chrysanthemum used as the symbol of the Japanese emperor and imperial family.
菊の御紋は皇室の象徴です。
The chrysanthemum crest is the symbol of the Imperial Family.
Chrysanthemum dolls, life-sized figures adorned with chrysanthemum flowers, displayed at autumn festivals.
菊人形展を見に行きました。
I went to see a chrysanthemum doll exhibition.
The Chrysanthemum Festival (September 9th), one of the five traditional seasonal festivals, also known as 重陽の節句.
Referring to edible chrysanthemum varieties or chrysanthemum-flavored items.
Edible chrysanthemum, specifically varieties grown for consumption, often used as a garnish or in salads.
食用菊をさっと茹でておひたしにします。
Briefly boil edible chrysanthemums and serve them as ohitashi.
Garland chrysanthemum, a leafy green vegetable used in hot pot dishes (nabe) and salads. Not the same as the ornamental flower.
Chrysanthemum tea, made from dried chrysanthemum flowers.
菊茶は目の疲れに良いと言われています。
Chrysanthemum tea is said to be good for eye strain.
Using 'chrysanthemum' in personal names or classical poetry.
A common element in Japanese given names, especially for girls, often combined with other characters.
菊子という名前は昔よくありました。
The name Kikuko was common in the past.
Literary or poetic term for chrysanthemum flower, often used in haiku or classical contexts.
菊 (kiku) usually refers to the ornamental flower, while 春菊 (shungiku) is the edible leafy green. Using 菊 when you mean the vegetable can cause confusion.
鍋に菊を入れたら驚かれました。
They were surprised when I put chrysanthemum flowers in the hot pot.
The chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn and longevity. It appears on the 50-yen coin and the Imperial Seal. Mentioning 菊の御紋 can show knowledge of Japanese culture.
菊の節句には菊酒を飲む習慣があります。
There is a custom of drinking chrysanthemum sake on the Chrysanthemum Festival.
すき焼きに春菊を入れます。
I put garland chrysanthemum in sukiyaki.
The scent of chrysanthemums evokes autumn.