Translation guide
Refers to the plant Physalis alkekengi, known for its bright orange-red papery husk enclosing a fruit. In Japanese, it is commonly called ホオズキ, and is culturally associated with the Bon Festival.
winter cherry (plant)
The learner wants to refer to the plant species known as winter cherry, Chinese lantern, or Japanese lantern.
The standard Japanese name for the plant. Often written in katakana, but can also be written as 鬼灯 or 酸漿 in kanji.
There are winter cherries planted in the garden.
Kanji form of ホオズキ, used in more formal or literary contexts.
The red fruit of the winter cherry sways in the wind.
Another kanji form, rarely used. Mostly found in botanical or historical texts.
The winter cherry is a plant of the nightshade family.
The learner wants to talk about the dried husks used in decorations, especially during the Bon Festival.
The same word is used for the fruit and husk. In the context of Obon, it is often sold as potted plants or used as offerings.
We decorate with winter cherries during the Bon Festival.
ホオズキ is strongly associated with the Bon Festival (お盆) in Japan. The bright orange husks are believed to guide the spirits of ancestors. You'll often see them sold at markets in summer.