柳
also: ようりゅう
Meanings
1
willow (any tree of genus Salix)
General term for willow trees. In everyday use, often refers to the weeping willow or other common species.
There is a big willow tree by the river.
2
weeping willow (Salix babylonica)
Only with reading やなぎ / ヤナギ
Specifically the weeping willow. Often distinguished from other willows by its drooping branches. Reading restricted to やなぎ or ヤナギ.
See also: 枝垂れ柳
Weeping willows are planted along the edge of the pond in the park.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に柳を植えるto plant a willow (tree) somewhere
They planted willows along the riverbank.
- 柳の枝が垂れるthe branches of a willow droop down
The willow's branches droop down to the surface of the water.
- 柳が風に揺れるa willow sways in the wind
The willow is swaying in the wind.
Expressions
- 柳に風go with the flow; take things in stride; handle without making waves
- 風に柳without making waves; softly; like a willow in the wind
- 柳に雪折れなしthe soft may prove more durable than the hard
- 柳は緑、花は紅natural state; unspoilt by human touch · spring is beautiful · things differ by nature; each has its own character
- 柳の下にいつも泥鰌はいないgood luck does not always repeat itself; a fox is not taken twice in the same snare
- 柳の下にいつも泥鰌はおらぬa fox is not taken twice in the same snare; there are no birds in last year's nest; lightning never strikes twice in the same place