蕾
Meanings
1
Refers to the bud of a flower before it opens; used literally for plants.
The cherry blossom buds have started to swell.
The rose buds look like they will open soon.
2
promising young person; budding talent
Figurative use comparing a young person with potential to a flower bud; often used in phrases like 蕾のまま (still a bud) or 未来の蕾 (bud of the future).
She is still a budding talent, but she is a singer with a promising future.
These young people are all buds of the future.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉のつぼみが開くfor a flower bud to open (bloom)
The rose bud opened.
- つぼみのまま(of potential/talent) remaining unrealized, still 'in bud'
His talent never blossomed and remained unrealized.
- つぼみをつけるfor a plant to form buds
This tree forms buds when spring comes.
- つぼみが膨らむfor a bud to swell (as it prepares to bloom)
The cherry blossom buds have started to swell.