歳さい寒かん三さん友ゆう

noun

the three friends of winter

Refers to pine, bamboo, and plum as symbols of steadfastness and integrity in winter. A classical Chinese motif adopted into Japanese art and literature.

• 歳さい寒かん三さん友ゆうは、松まつ、竹たけ、梅うめの三みっつを指さす。

  The three friends of winter refer to pine, bamboo, and plum.

• この掛かけ軸じくには歳さい寒かん三さん友ゆうが描えがかれている。

  This hanging scroll depicts the three friends of winter.