The Japanese language has a collection of idioms and proverbs made up of flower vocabulary. We’ve included some of the most common here. Have a read to learn a bit more about Japanese expressions!

Iwanu ga hana　言わぬが花

This literal translates as “Not speaking is the flower.”

In other words, “Some things are better left unsaid” or “Silence is golden.”

Takane no hana　高嶺の花

This translates to “Flower on a high peak.” but means “something out of one’s reach.”

The phrase explores the idea of wanting something that is beautiful or interesting to look at, but is difficult or impossible to get a hold of.

Hana ni arashi　花に嵐

There is one famous Japanese saying, “Tsuki ni muragumo, hana ni arashi (Clouds over the moon, a storm over blossoms).” This idiom is a shortened version. It means that sometimes in life at times of great happiness, you may experience misfortune.

Hana yori dango　花より団子

Literally translated as “Dumplings rather than flowers.”, this means that practical things are better than excessive things. In spring, people in Japan traditionally go to the countryside or parks for flower viewing (hanami). However, it’s often more likely for people to enjoy eating foods or drinking alcohol there than appreciating the beauty of the flowers. It shows a part of human nature.

Tonari no hana wa akai　隣の花は赤い

Literally meaning “The neighbor’s flowers are red.” In English we would say that ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’. There is also another saying, “Tonari no shibafu wa aoi (The neighbor’s lawn is green).”