芽
me[ɡa̠]
The English word "bud" can be translated into Japanese as 芽 (me) or 蕾 depending on the context.
Meaning: newly formed leaf or flower that has not yet unfolded (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 芽 | me | [ɡa̠] (narrow) |
| 蕾 | tsubomi |
In Japanese, the word for bud is divided into two specific categories: vegetative buds and flower buds.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two forms depends on what is budding. 芽 (me) refers specifically to a vegetative bud, such as a leaf or a stem bud. In contrast, 蕾 (tsubomi) is used exclusively for the buds of flowers that are about to bloom.
How do you pronounce it?
me
Did you know?
- The phrase 芽を摘む (to nip the bud) is used exactly like the English idiom to describe stopping something before it can grow or develop.
- The word 芽 is used in the common idiom 芽が出る (to sprout), which describes a project or idea finally showing signs of success.
- In Japanese culture, 蕾 is often used as a poetic metaphor for youth or untapped potential, representing beauty that is still waiting to be revealed.
Examples in context
- 蕾が開いた。The bud blossomed.This sentence shows how to use 蕾 to describe a blossom opening.Tatoeba #12296509 by small_snow, translation #12296508 by Miktsoanit
- 木々は芽を出し始めた。The trees are beginning to bud.This sentence shows the use of 芽 to describe trees beginning to bud.Tatoeba #80056 by small_snow, translation #323661 by CK
- まだ蕾の段階です。It's still in the stage of a bud.
- その桜のつぼみはまだ小さいです。The bud of that cherry blossom is still small.
- 庭の木の芽が大きくなった。Niwa no ki no me ga ookiku natta.The buds on the garden tree have grown large.
Example conversation
Yui and Daigaku are looking at a plant in the garden.
- 結衣 Yui見て、ここに新しい芽があるよ。Mite, koko ni atarashii me ga aru yo.Look, there is a new bud here.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ。もう春が来たね。Hontou da. Mou haru ga kita ne.You're right. Spring is already here.
- 結衣 Yuiこの芽はいつ頃開くかな。Kono me wa itsugoro hiraku kana.I wonder when this bud will open.
- 大翔 Hiroto来週までには咲くと思うよ。Raishuu made ni wa saku to omou yo.I think it will bloom by next week.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bud” translations and entries 芽, 蕾, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
