桃花

• Pinyin: táo huā
• Hanzi breakdown: 桃 = 木 (tree) + 兆 (phonetic); 花 = 艹 (grass) + 化 (change), flower

Meaning

Peach blossom. Pink flowers that bloom on peach trees in spring.

One of the most beloved spring flowers in Chinese culture. Symbolizes romance, love, and the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. 桃花运 means 'romantic luck' — having admirers. The famous poem '桃花源记' describes a utopia hidden behind peach blossoms.

Examples

1. 春天一到，公园里的桃花就开得格外灿烂。 As soon as spring arrives, the peach blossoms in the park bloom brilliantly.
2. 他最近桃花运不错，好几个女生对他有意思。 He's been having good romantic luck lately — several girls are interested in him.
3. 江南的三月，到处都能看到粉红色的桃花。 In March in Jiangnan, you can see pink peach blossoms everywhere.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, romance, poetry

Tone: poetic

Do Say

• 桃花开了，春天到了。(The peach blossoms have bloomed — spring is here.)
• 他桃花运很旺。(He's having great romantic luck.)

Don't Say

• 送女朋友桃花 as a romantic gift — despite symbolizing romance, cut peach blossoms wilt quickly; roses are more common gifts

Origin & History

Compound of 桃 (peach) + 花 (flower), literally peach flower/blossom.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal