ヒカンザクラ

ヒ

カ

ン

ザ

ク

ラ

Meanings

noun

Taiwan cherry; bellflower cherry

usually written using kana alone

A species of cherry tree (Prunus campanulata) with deep pink, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. Often called 'winter cherry' in English contexts.

沖おき縄なわでは、1月がつになるとヒカンザクラが咲さき始はじめます。
In Okinawa, the Taiwan cherry trees start blooming in January.
ヒカンザクラは濃こいピンク色いろの花はなが特とく徴ちょうです。
The Taiwan cherry is characterized by its deep pink flowers.

See all 3 example sentences ›

Kanji

緋scarlet, cardinal
寒cold
桜cherry

Related words

桜さくら
Generic term for cherry blossoms or cherry trees. ヒカンザクラ refers specifically to the Taiwan cherry species.
寒かん緋ひ桜ざくら
Alternate name for the same tree, using a different reading of the kanji. Less common than ヒカンザクラ.

Built from

緋ひ+カンザクラ

Written forms

ひかんざくら
Hiragana spelling, also used when the word is written in kana.
緋ひ寒かん桜ざくら
Kanji spelling exists but is rarely used; the word is usually written in kana.

Etymology

The name ヒカンザクラ (緋寒桜) literally means 'scarlet cold cherry,' referring to the deep red-pink flowers that bloom in the cooler season. The exact derivation is uncertain, but the kanji reflect the appearance and blooming period.