Translation guide
The lotus flower, a culturally significant plant in Japan, often associated with Buddhism, purity, and summer. This guide covers the plant itself, its parts, and common cultural references.
Referring to the lotus as a plant or its blossom in general contexts.
The most common word for the lotus plant or flower. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
Lotuses are blooming in the pond.
Literally 'lotus flower', used when you want to emphasize the blossom specifically.
蓮の花は早朝に開く。
Lotus flowers open in the early morning.
Katakana version, often used in scientific or botanical contexts, or for emphasis.
ハスの生態を研究している。
I'm researching the ecology of the lotus.
Referring to the edible rhizome of the lotus plant, used in cooking.
The standard term for lotus root as a food. Commonly used in recipes and menus.
蓮根のきんぴらが好きです。
I like stir-fried lotus root.
Referring to the lotus as a symbol in Buddhism, art, or traditional culture.
A more formal or literary term for lotus, often used in Buddhist contexts, such as 'lotus throne' or 'lotus flower' in sutras.
仏像は蓮華の上に座っている。
The Buddha statue is seated on a lotus.
Literally 'lotus pedestal', the lotus-shaped base on which Buddhist figures sit or stand.
蓮の台に乗った観音像。
A Kannon statue on a lotus pedestal.
Refers to the lotus in the Pure Land (paradise) in Buddhist belief. Poetic and religious.
極楽の蓮を思い描く。
I envision the lotuses of paradise.
Referring to the cross-legged sitting posture used in meditation and yoga.
The standard term for the lotus position in yoga and meditation.
蓮華座を組んで瞑想する。
I sit in the lotus position and meditate.
A formal Buddhist term for the full lotus sitting posture. Used in religious or traditional contexts.
Referring to lotus patterns in art, textiles, or architecture.
Lotus pattern or design, commonly used in traditional Japanese art and crafts.
この着物には蓮文様が描かれている。
This kimono has a lotus pattern on it.
蓮 (lotus) and 睡蓮 (water lily) are different plants. Lotus leaves and flowers rise above the water, while water lily leaves float on the surface. In English, 'lotus' is sometimes confused with water lily, but in Japanese they are distinct.
睡蓮は水面に浮かぶが、蓮は水面から立ち上がる。
Water lilies float on the water surface, but lotuses rise above it.
結跏趺坐で坐禅を組む。
Sit in zazen in the full lotus posture.