ツツジ
tsutsuji
The Japanese word for azalea is ツツジ (tsutsuji).
ツツジ refers to the azalea plant, which is also closely related to the rhododendron.
Meaning: plant (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kanto region, the specific term 日野躑躅 (Hino-tsutsuji) is used to describe certain varieties of azaleas.
How do you pronounce it?
tsutsuji
Did you know?
- Some traditional Japanese recipes use the young leaves of the ツツジ as a seasonal vegetable, though they must be prepared carefully to remove toxins.
- In Japanese folklore, the ツツジ is sometimes associated with the 'spirit' of the mountains, and its bloom is a traditional marker for the start of the mountain climbing season.
- While ツツジ is the general term, Japanese gardeners often use the word サツキ for a specific type of azalea that blooms later in the season.
Examples in context
- 京都の庭園に美しい躑躅が咲いています。Beautiful azaleas are blooming in Kyoto's gardens.
- 公園でキレイなつつじを見かけたよ。I saw beautiful azaleas in the park.
- 公園にツツジが咲いています。Kōen ni tsutsuji ga saite imasu.Azaleas are blooming in the park.
- このツツジはとても綺麗ですね。Kono tsutsuji wa totemo kirei desu ne.This azalea is very beautiful, isn't it?
- 庭にツツジを植えたいです。Niwa ni tsutsuji o uetai desu.I want to plant azaleas in the garden.
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a botanical garden during spring.
- 美咲 Misakiあ、綺麗なツツジを見つけたよ！A, kirei na tsutsuji o mitsuketa yo!Oh, I found a beautiful azalea!
- 健太 Kenta本当だ、色がとても鮮やかだね。Hontō da, iro ga totemo azayaka da ne.You're right, the color is very vivid.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんも、このツツジが好き？Kenta-san mo, kono tsutsuji ga suki?Kenta, do you like this azalea too?
- 健太 Kentaうん、大好きだよ。Un, daisuki da yo.Yes, I love them.
