花束
hanataba[ha̠na̠ta̠ba̠]
The English phrase 'bouquet' is translated into Japanese as 花束 (hanataba). Wiktionary also lists ブーケ (būke).
Meaning: bunch of flowers (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 花束 | hanataba | [ha̠na̠ta̠ba̠] (narrow) |
| ブーケ | būke | [bɯ̟ːke̞] (narrow) |
Both 花束 and ブーケ mean a bunch of flowers, but they are used in different contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 花束 is a compound of 花, meaning flower and 束, meaning bundle or bunch.
Which one should you use?
Use 花束 for a general bundle of flowers. In contrast, ブーケ specifically refers to a western-style floral bouquet, which is often used in the context of weddings or formal arrangements.
How does it change in a sentence?
花束 is a counter-based noun.
How do you pronounce it?
hanataba
Did you know?
- Depending on the region and context, certain colors of flowers in a 花束 may be avoided at funerals, such as bright red, which can symbolize blood or intense passion.
- The word ブーケ shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'bush', tracing back to the Proto-Germanic *buskaz.
- In Japan, giving a 花束 to a romantic partner on Valentine's Day is less common than the tradition of giving chocolate, as the focus of the holiday is on the sweets.
Examples in context
- トムはメアリーに花束をあげた。Tom gave a bouquet of flowers to Mary.This sentence shows how to use 花束 to describe giving a bouquet.Tatoeba #8875056 by bunbuku, translation #1892651 by CK
- 彼が花束をプレゼントしてくれたの。He presented me with a bouquet of flowers.This sentence shows how to use 花束 when receiving a bouquet as a present.Tatoeba #106109 by small_snow, translation #297577 by CK
- 彼女はとても綺麗な花束を持っている。Kanojo wa totemo kirei na hanataba o motte iru.She is holding a very beautiful bouquet.
Example conversation
Kenta gives Hiyori a gift for her birthday.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、誕生日おめでとう。この花束をどうぞ。Hiyori, tanjōbi omedetō. Kono hanataba o dōzo.Happy birthday, Hiyori. Please have this bouquet.
- 陽葵 Himariわあ、ありがとう！すごく素敵！Wā, arigatō! Sugoku suteki!Wow, thank you! It's so lovely!
- 健太 Kenta陽葵が好きそうな花を選んだよ。Hiyori ga sukisōna hana o eranda yo.I chose flowers that I thought you would like.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に嬉しいです。大切にするね。Hontō ni ureshii desu. Taisetsu ni suru ne.I'm really happy. I'll take good care of them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bouquet” translations and entries 花束, ブーケ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ブーケ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
