expression
natural state; unspoilt by human touch
Idiomatic expression, originally from a quote by Su Shi. Describes the inherent beauty of nature as it is, without artificial intervention. Often used to praise simplicity or the natural order.
柳は緑、花は紅というように、自然のままの姿が一番美しい。
As the saying goes, 'willows are green, flowers are crimson'—the natural state is the most beautiful.
expression
spring is beautiful
Proverbial use: the colors of willow and flowers symbolize the beauty of spring. Less common than the 'natural state' sense.
柳は緑、花は紅で、春の美しさを表している。
'Willows are green, flowers are crimson' expresses the beauty of spring.
expression
things differ by nature; each has its own character
Proverbial use: just as willows are green and flowers are red, everything has its own inherent nature. Used to emphasize natural diversity or individual characteristics.
人それぞれ得意なことが違うのは、柳は緑、花は紅というものだ。
People have different strengths—it's like 'willows are green, flowers are crimson'; each has its own nature.
From a classical Chinese poem by Su Shi (蘇軾). The phrase entered Japanese as a literary and proverbial expression, preserving the original imagery of natural colors.