蓮
hasu[ha̠t͡ɕisɨ]
The Japanese word for lotus is 蓮 (hasu). Wiktionary also lists ロータス (rōtasu).
Meaning: plant of the genus Nelumbo (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 蓮 | hasu | [ha̠t͡ɕisɨ] (narrow) [ha̠sɨ] (narrow) |
| ロータス | rōtasu |
蓮 refers to the plant of the genus Nelumbo.
Which one should you use?
蓮 is the standard word for the biological plant. In contrast, the katakana form ロータス is typically used for brand names, product names or in a more modern and Westernized context.
How do you pronounce it?
hasu
When do people say it?
In Japan, the lotus is a significant symbol in Buddhism, often representing purity and enlightenment because it rises clean from muddy waters.
Did you know?
- The word 蓮 (hasu) may actually have its roots in the words for 'bee' and 'nest', because the lotus seed pod resembles a honeycomb.
- Because it represents purity, the 蓮 is a common motif in traditional Japanese funeral art and Buddhist iconography.
Examples in context
- 蓮は、水生植物でとても大きな葉と花をつけます。The lotus is an aquatic plant with very large leaves and flowers.Tatoeba #10010889 by small_snow, translation #8818740 by carlosalberto
- 蓮の花はなんとも言えない芳香をはなっていた。The lotus blossoms diffused an inexpressibly pleasant scent.Tatoeba #77421 by mookeee, translation #326298 by rul
- 火星上にある神殿には蓮の花が飾ってあります。The temples on Mars are decorated with lotus flowers.Tatoeba #12420073 by jkyochen, translation #6200064 by sundown
- 日本の花として有名な 蓮 は、美しさと清浄さの象徴です。The lotus, which is famous as a flower in Japan, is a symbol of beauty and purity.
- 公園の池でキレイな 蓮 がたくさん咲いていましたよ！There were many beautiful lotus flowers blooming in the park's pond!
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are walking through a botanical garden.
- 陽太 Yotaあそこに蓮が咲いていますよ。Asoko ni hasu ga saite imasu yo.A lotus is blooming over there.
- 結衣 Yui本当ですね、とても綺麗です。Hontou desu ne, totemo kirei desu.You're right, it's very beautiful.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんは蓮が好きですか？Yui-san wa hasu ga suki desu ka?Do you like lotuses, Yui?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、大好きです。Hai, daisuki desu.Yes, I love them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lotus” translations and entries 蓮, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 蓮, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
