花
花 means ‘flower’ or ‘blossom.’ It combines the grass radical (艹) at the top with the character 化 (change/transform), suggesting something that blooms and transforms from a bud.
Reading
On’yomi:
カ (KA)
Kun’yomi:
はな (hana)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 花 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | flower, blossom |
| Stroke Count | 7 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
How to Understand This Kanji
花 often carries beautiful, poetic connotations in Japanese culture. Cherry blossoms (桜の花) hold special cultural significance. 花 can also be used metaphorically to describe something splendid or showy.
Common Words
-
花
（はな）
— flower, blossom -
花見
（はなみ）
— cherry blossom viewing -
花火
（はなび）
— fireworks -
花束
（はなたば）
— bouquet of flowers -
花屋
（はなや）
— flower shop -
花びん
（かびん）
— vase
Example Sentences
-
公園に花が咲いています。
こうえんにはながさいています。
Flowers are blooming in the park.
-
春には花見をしましょう。
はるにははなみをしましょう。
Let’s go cherry blossom viewing in spring.
-
花屋で花束を買いました。
はなやではなたばをかいました。
I bought a bouquet at the flower shop.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
花 is encountered early in cultural contexts. Note that 花火 (fireworks) literally means ‘fire flowers’ — a poetic image that helps you remember both kanji at once.
Summary
花 means ‘flower’ and carries strong cultural significance in Japan, especially related to cherry blossoms and seasonal beauty.
| Kanji | 花 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | flower, blossom |
| On’yomi | カ (KA) |
| Kun’yomi | はな (hana) |
| Strokes | 7 |
| JLPT | N5 |