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 / hana） — flower, blossom
- 花見（はなみ / hanami） — cherry blossom viewing
- 花火（はなび / hanabi） — fireworks
- 花束（はなたば / hanataba） — bouquet of flowers
- 花屋（はなや / hanaya） — flower shop
- 花びん（かびん / kabin） — 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。 / Kōen ni hana ga saite imasu.
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。 / Haru ni wa hanami o shimashō.
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。 / Hanaya de hanataba o kaimashita.
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.