noun
General term for a flower or blossom of any plant. Also used for the petals collectively.
庭にきれいな花が咲いている。
Beautiful flowers are blooming in the garden.
花瓶に花を生ける。
I arrange flowers in a vase.
noun
Specifically refers to cherry blossoms, especially in contexts like 花見 (cherry blossom viewing).
今年の花はもう散ってしまった。
This year's cherry blossoms have already fallen.
noun
Figurative use for something beautiful, glorious, or the best part of something. Often used in set phrases or with 華 kanji.
彼女はパーティーの花だった。
She was the belle of the party.
人生の花は青春だと言われる。
It is said that youth is the flower of life.
noun
blooming (esp. cherry blossoms)
Refers to the state of blooming, especially for cherry blossoms. Often used in seasonal contexts.
桜の花が満開だ。
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
noun
Abbreviation for 花札, traditional Japanese playing cards. Domain-specific term.
See also: 花札
花で遊ぶのが好きです。
I like playing hanafuda.
noun
the best; the peak
Used in the pattern 〜が花 to mean 'the best part is...' or 'the height of...'. Often in proverbs like 言わぬが花 (silence is golden).
See also: 言わぬが花
言わぬが花ということもある。
Sometimes silence is golden.