Beautiful Japanese: Expressions for How Flowers Fall
Table of Contents
1. Expressions for How Flowers Fall
2. Flowers and the Japanese Language
3. How Flowers Fall: Expressions in the Japanese Language
4. Summary
5. Similar Articles
6. Comment
Q: I heard the expression “梅がこぼれる.” Don’t we use “散る” when flowers fall?
A: In Japanese, different kinds of flowers often have different expressions to describe how they fall. Let’s take a closer look in this article.
Flowers and the Japanese Language
In Japan, flowers have long been cherished as an important part of culture.
They appear as motifs in many forms of artistic expression, such as ikebana (flower arrangement), traditional poetry, painting, and music.
Flowers are not only visually beautiful—they also help us feel the passing of time and the changing of seasons.
The Japanese language contains many delicate expressions to describe these changes in nature.
Among them, the way flowers are described at the end of their blooming reflects both the unique character of each flower and the refined sensitivity of the Japanese people.
How Flowers Fall: Expressions in the Japanese Language
Cherry Blossoms (桜)：散る (to fall)
Cherry blossoms are one of the most beloved flowers in Japan. The phrase “sakura ga chiru” (cherry blossoms fall) describes the petals gently falling in the wind.
But this expression is used not only for flowers. It can also describe feelings of disappointment, such as failing an exam or when a dream does not come true.
Plum Blossoms (梅)：こぼれる (to spill)
Plum blossoms bloom quietly near the lower parts of the tree. Because the petals fall gently one by one, the expression “ume ga koboreru” (plum blossoms spill) is used.
Fallen plum blossoms are sometimes called “kobore-ume” (spilled plums). It’s a gentle, quiet expression that gives a soft and peaceful image.
Bush Clover (萩)：こぼれる (to spill)
Hagi, an autumn flower, is also described with the word “koboreru” (to spill).
The kanji for “hagi” was created in Japan and is considered a kokuji (a character made in Japan). In the past, people enjoyed viewing hagi blossoms as a seasonal tradition in autumn.
Camellia (椿)：落ちる (to fall)
Unlike other flowers that lose their petals one by one, the camellia drops its whole flower at once with a soft plop.
That’s why the expression “tsubaki ga ochiru” (the camellia falls) is used.
Morning Glory (朝顔)：しぼむ (to wither or close)
The morning glory opens its flower in the morning and closes by around noon.
This change is expressed with the word “shibomu,” meaning to wither or close.
Peony (牡丹)：くずれる (to fall apart)
The peony’s large petals fall all at once in a scattered way, so the word “kuzureru” (to fall apart or collapse) is used to describe it.
Rose (薔薇)：枯れる (to wither or dry up)
When a rose doesn’t get enough water or too much time passes, it turns brown and wilts.
“Kareru” describes the state of a flower when its life has come to an end.
Hydrangea (紫陽花)：しおれる(to wilt)
When hydrangeas don’t get enough water, they start to wilt.
“Shioreru” describes the drooping appearance of a flower that has lost its energy.
Chrysanthemum (菊)：舞う (to dance)
Along with cherry blossoms, the chrysanthemum is one of Japan’s national flowers. It has long been considered a noble flower and is used in the Imperial Family’s crest.
The petals of the chrysanthemum don’t fall off quickly. Instead, they gradually droop and sway in the wind. Because this movement looks like dancing, the phrase “kiku ga mau” (the chrysanthemum dances) is used.
Summary
What did you think?
In Japanese, the end of a flower’s life is described with care and beauty. It’s not just “ending” — it’s “ending beautifully” or “changing quietly,” with a gentle feeling behind the words.
There may be some sadness in the end of a flower, but it also marks the beginning of a new season or new encounter.
By learning these expressions, you can feel the depth of the language and the Japanese people’s connection to nature.
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