藍
Meanings
1
dyer's knotweed; Japanese indigo plant
usually written using kana alone
The plant Persicaria tinctoria, traditionally used in Japan to produce indigo dye. Often referred to as 藍の葉 or 藍の花 when discussing the plant itself.
Indigo (the plant) is a dye plant that was once cultivated throughout Japan.
2
indigo dye
The deep blue dye extracted from the indigo plant. Used in traditional dyeing (藍染め).
See also: インディゴ
This kimono is dyed with natural indigo.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉を藍で染めるto dye something with indigo
This cloth is dyed with indigo.
- 藍を建てるto prepare an indigo dye vat (traditional process)
The craftsman carefully prepares the indigo dye vat.
- 藍が咲くthe indigo plant blooms
The indigo plant blooms when autumn comes.
Expressions
- 青は藍より出でて藍より青しthe student has become the master; the pupil surpasses the teacher