Japanese word

蕾

Pronunciation

Romajitsubomi

Meaning

  • nounbud

Example

この蕾は明日開きそうです。ko no tsubomi wa asu hira ki sō de su

This bud looks like it will open tomorrow.

Illustration for 蕾 (bud)

More examples

春になると、花の蕾が開きます。haru ni na ru to hana no tsubomi ga hira ki ma su

In spring, flower buds open.

春になると、桜の蕾が少しずつ膨らみます。haru ni na ru to sakura no tsubomi ga suko shi zu tsu fuku ra mi ma su

When spring comes, the buds on the cherry trees gradually swell.

Core concept

It refers to a developing flower or leaf that remains folded and closed before opening.

Common phrases

  • 蕾がほころぶtsubomi ga ho ko ro bu

    a bud starts to unfold

  • 蕾が膨らむtsubomi ga fuku ra mu

    a bud swells

  • 蕾が開くtsubomi ga hira ku

    a bud opens

  • 蕾をつけるtsubomi o tsu ke ru

    produce buds

Definition in Japanese

植物の花や葉が開く前に、先端などにできる包まれた部分。shoku butsu no hana ya ha ga hira ku mae ni sen tan na do ni de ki ru tsutsu ma re ta bu bun

Word origin

The native Japanese noun つぼみ (tsubomi, "bud") comes from the related verb つぼむ (tsubomu, "to bud or begin to open"), and 蕾 (tsubomi, "bud") is the established kanji form.

Usage tips

  • English uses budding for something that is just beginning to develop, as in a budding musician, extending the sense of a flower bud that is growing before it opens.

Related words

  • 蕾むtsubomubudverb

Word lists with this word