菊
kiku[kʲikɯ̟]
The English word chrysanthemum is 菊 (kiku) in Japanese.
菊 refers to the chrysanthemum flower. This term can describe ornamental flowers or certain edible varieties, such as 春菊 (shungiku), which is a type of garland chrysanthemum used in cooking.
Meaning: flower (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
kiku
When do people say it?
The chrysanthemum is a symbol of the Japanese Imperial Family.
Did you know?
- Japan has a traditional festival called 重陽 (Chōyō), where people drink 菊酒 (kikusake), which is sake infused with chrysanthemum petals. This drink is believed to grant longevity and ward off evil spirits.
- The name of the month of November is 十一月 (jūichigatsu), but it is traditionally poetically referred to as 菊月 (kikuzuki) or 'Chrysanthemum Month'.
- The 16-petal 菊 appears on the Imperial Seal of Japan and is used as a symbol of the Emperor on passports. It is so prestigious that using the symbol privately was historically restricted.
Examples in context
- ホウレンソウと春菊から放射性物質が検出されました。Radioactive contamination was detected in spinach and edible chrysanthemum.This sentence is useful for seeing 菊 used in the context of food safety.Tatoeba #828795 by Scott, translation #828797 by Scott
- 菊は日本の国花です。Chrysanthemum is the national flower of Japan.
- 秋になると公園に綺麗な菊が咲きます。Beautiful chrysanthemums bloom in the park during autumn.
- 天皇さまが菊花展をご鑑賞されました。His Majesty the Emperor attended the chrysanthemum exhibition.
- 庭に白い菊が咲いています。Niwa ni shiroi kiku ga saite imasu.White chrysanthemums are blooming in the garden.
- この菊はとても綺麗ですね。Kono kiku wa totemo kirei desu ne.This chrysanthemum is very beautiful, isn't it?
Example conversation
A couple is looking at flowers in a botanical garden.
- 結衣 Yuiあそこに大きな菊がありますよ。Asoko ni ookina kiku ga arimasu yo.There is a large chrysanthemum over there.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当ですね、綺麗です。Hontou desu ne, kirei desu.You're right, it's beautiful.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さんは菊が好きですか？Hiroto-san wa kiku ga suki desu ka?Hiroto, do you like chrysanthemums?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、大好きです。Hai, daisuki desu.Yes, I love them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chrysanthemum” translations and entries 菊, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
