noun
seed leaves; cotyledons; bud; sprout
Botanical term for the first pair of leaves emerging from a seed; also used more generally for young sprouts or buds.
朝顔の双葉が土から顔を出した。
The morning glory's seed leaves have emerged from the soil.
双葉のうちは水を切らさないよう
While it's still at the cotyledon stage, make sure it doesn't run out of water.
noun
early stages; very beginning
Figurative use referring to the initial phase of something, often implying potential for growth.
その計画はまだ双葉の段階だ。
The plan is still in its very early stages.
彼の才能は双葉のうちから見えていた。
His talent was visible from the very beginning.
Rare kanji form; mostly seen in literary or classical contexts.
Compound of 二つ (futatsu, 'two') and 葉 (ha, 'leaf'), referring to the two seed leaves. The kanji 双 means 'pair' and reinforces the idea of two leaves.