taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Literary description of a vast, deep blue expanse, typically the sky or sea. Used in formal or poetic contexts.
蒼々とした海が広がっていた。
A deep blue sea stretched out before us.
taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
lush green; verdant
Literary description of fresh, vibrant green vegetation. Often used in nature writing.
山々は蒼々と茂る木々に覆われている。
The mountains are covered with lush, verdant trees.
taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
greying; hoary
Rare literary use for greying or whitening hair, suggesting age. Not used in everyday conversation.
彼の髪は蒼々と白み始めていた。
His hair had begun to turn grey.
青々 is the common word for lush green vegetation or deep blue, while 蒼々 is a formal/literary variant with a more classical feel.
Reduplication of 蒼 (そう, 'blue/green/pale'), a kanji associated with deep blue, green, or greyish tones. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the form follows a classical pattern of doubling for emphasis.