リース
rīsu[ɾʲiːsɨ]
In Japanese, the word for wreath can be expressed as either リース (rīsu) or 花輪.
Meaning: ornamental circular band (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| リース | rīsu | [ɾʲiːsɨ] (narrow) |
| 花輪 | hanawa | [ha̠na̠β̞a̠] (narrow) |
The term リース is the standard loanword used to describe Western-style holiday wreaths, such as those used for Christmas decoration.
Which one should you use?
Use リース for modern, decorative items like a Christmas wreath. In contrast, use 花輪 when referring to traditional floral wreaths, which are often used in ceremonial or funeral contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
rīsu
Did you know?
- In Japan, 花輪 are often sent to grand openings of businesses as towering, oversized floral displays rather than small circular bands. These 'celebration wreaths' are meant to show status and prestige.
- While リース is the standard term for a Christmas wreath, it is also the exact same word used for a 'lease' in a commercial context.
- In Japanese, the term for a 'ring' (jewelry) is typically 指輪, whereas the 'ring' in 花輪 refers specifically to a circular shape or loop.
Examples in context
- この松ぼっくりで、クリスマスのリースを作ろうと思ってるんだ。I'm thinking of making a Christmas wreath out of these pinecones.This sentence is useful for talking about using pinecones to make a リース for Christmas.Tatoeba #9408083 by bunbuku, translation #12530393 by pip
- 今日はリースを届けました。Today, we delivered a wreath.
- ドアに素敵なリースを飾りました。Doa ni suteki na riisu o kazarimashita.I decorated the door with a lovely wreath.
- このリースはドライフラワーでできています。Kono riisu wa dorai furaawaa de dekite imasu.This wreath is made of dried flowers.
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are decorating their living room.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、このリースをどこに掛けようか？Himari, kono rīsu o doko ni kakeyō ka?Himari, where should we hang this wreath?
- 陽葵 Himari壁の真ん中に飾るのがいいと思うよ。Kabe no mannaka ni kazaru no ga ii to omou yo.I think it would be good to put it in the middle of the wall.
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね。ここならよく見えるし。Sō da ne. Koko nara yoku mieru shi.You're right. It'll be clearly visible here.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、部屋がパッと明るくなるね！Un, heya ga patto akaruku naru ne!Yeah, it really brightens up the room!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wreath” translations and entries リース, 花輪, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
