Translation guide
The word 'iris' can refer to the flower, the part of the eye, or a proper name. This guide focuses on the flower and anatomical meanings.
Referring to the iris flower, a plant with showy flowers.
General term for iris flowers, especially Iris sanguinea. Commonly used in everyday contexts.
庭にアヤメが咲いています。
Irises are blooming in the garden.
Specifically refers to Japanese iris (Iris ensata), often grown in wet conditions. Common in traditional gardens.
ハナショウブの季節になりました。
It's the season for Japanese irises.
Refers to Iris laevigata, a specific type of iris often found in water gardens. More literary or traditional.
カキツバタが池のそばに咲いています。
Rabbit-ear irises are blooming by the pond.
Loanword from English, used for the flower in general, especially in floristry or Western contexts.
アイリスの花束を買いました。
I bought a bouquet of irises.
Referring to the colored part of the eye.
Medical/anatomical term for the iris of the eye. Used in formal or technical contexts.
虹彩の色は人によって異なります。
The color of the iris varies from person to person.
Explicitly says 'iris of the eye' for clarity in non-technical conversation.
目の虹彩が茶色です。
The iris of my eye is brown.
These three are often confused. アヤメ is a general term and typically grows in dry land. ハナショウブ is the Japanese iris that grows in wet soil. カキツバタ grows in water. In casual conversation, アヤメ is the safest choice.
これはアヤメですか、ハナショウブですか？
Is this an iris or a Japanese iris?
In everyday Japanese, people rarely say '虹彩'. Instead, they might just say '目の色' (eye color) or describe the color directly. '虹彩' is very technical.
彼女は青い目をしています。
She has blue eyes. (natural way to mention iris color)