柳
[ja̠na̠ɡʲi]
The Japanese word for willow is 柳 (yanagi).
柳 refers to a type of tree or shrub known as a willow.
Did you know?
- One theory suggests the name for the willow is a compound meaning 'arrow tree', from the words 'ya' for 'arrow' and 'ki' for 'tree'.
- In Japanese folklore, the yanagi is sometimes associated with ghosts and the supernatural. Certain types of willow trees were believed to be dwellings for spirits or used in occult rituals.
- In traditional Japanese aesthetics, the yanagi is often used as a metaphor for flexibility and resilience. A person who can adapt to difficult situations is sometimes compared to the bending willow.
Examples in context
- 川沿いに柳が並んでいます。Kawazoe ni yanagi ga narande imasu.Willows are lined up along the river.
- 公園で柳の木を見ました。Kouen de yanagi no ki o mimashita.I saw a willow tree in the park.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are walking in a park.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮くん、見て！あの柳が素敵ね。Ren-kun, mite! Ano yanagi ga suteki ne.Ren, look! That willow is lovely.
- 蓮 Ren本当だ。風に揺れていて気持ちいいな。Hontou da. Kaze ni yurete ite kimochi ii na.You're right. It feels nice seeing it sway in the wind.
- 美咲 Misaki柳の下で少し休みましょうか。Yanagi no shita de sukoshi yasumimashou ka.Shall we rest for a bit under the willow?
- 蓮 Renいい考えだね。そうしよう。Ii kangae da ne. Sou shiyou.That's a good idea. Let's do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 柳, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 柳, CC BY-SA 4.0.
