柳やなぎは緑みどり、花はなは紅くれない

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.

• 柳やなぎは緑みどり、花はなは紅くれないというように、自し然ぜんのままの姿すがたが一いち番ばん美うつくしい。

  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.

• 柳やなぎは緑みどり、花はなは紅くれないで、春はるの美うつくしさを表あらわしている。

  '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.

• 人ひとそれぞれ得とく意いなことが違ちがうのは、柳やなぎは緑みどり、花はなは紅くれないというものだ。

  People have different strengths—it's like 'willows are green, flowers are crimson'; each has its own nature.