華
splendor, flower, petal, shine, luster, ostentatious, showy, gay, gorgeous
Readings
On'yomi
- カ
- ケ
Kun'yomi
- はな
Nanori
- わ
Meaning
華 centers on vivid, eye-catching beauty: a flower in full bloom, dazzling splendor, or something showy and gorgeous. The meanings extend naturally from that bright, flourishing center.
Most common words using 華
20 of 171- 華か
flashiness; showiness; brilliance; splendor
- 豪華ごうかN3
extravagant; lavish; opulent; luxurious; magnificent; splendid; fancy; gorgeous
- 中華ちゅうか
China
- 華麗かれいN1
splendid; magnificent; gorgeous
- 華やかはなやかN2
bright and beautiful; gorgeous; showy; brilliant; splendid; gay; colorful; flowery
- 繁華はんか
bustle; prosperity
- 昇華しょうか
sublimation
- 華奢かしゃN1
lavish; luxurious; showy; gaudy
- 華奢きゃしゃ
dainty; delicate; slender; slim and elegant
- 中華人民共和国ちゅうかじんみんきょうわこく
People's Republic of China
- 万華鏡まんげきょう
kaleidoscope
- 冷やし中華ひやしちゅうか
chilled Chinese noodles
- 法華経ほけきょう
Lotus Sutra
- 華々しいはなばなしいN1
brilliant; splendid; glorious; magnificent; spectacular
- 中華民国ちゅうかみんこく
Republic of China; ROC; Taiwan
- 蓮華れんげ
lotus flower
- 華僑かきょう
overseas Chinese
- 栄華えいが
prosperity; glory; splendour; splendor; majesty; luxury
- 華道かどう
flower arrangement; floral art; ikebana
- 精華せいか
essence; quintessence; flower; glory
Study
Etymology
華 is a pictophonetic character. The top 艹 (grass/plant) suggests vegetation, while the lower part originally depicted a flower in bloom and also contributed the sound. Together they express a flourishing flower or splendor.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 艹 is a plant, and the elaborate lower part looks like a flower with petals unfolding. Picture a showy blossom opening up: 華 is a gorgeous, splendid flower.
Reading mnemonic
For カ, imagine a magnificent flower blooming in a car: car -> カ, and the flower's splendor fills the vehicle.