梅

• Reading: うめ
• Romaji: ume
• Kanji breakdown: 梅 (bai/ume) — plum, Japanese apricot
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.me/

Meaning

Plum; Japanese apricot. Also refers to the lowest tier in a three-level ranking system (松竹梅).

A noun for the Japanese plum tree and its fruit. Culturally significant as a symbol of perseverance, since plum blossoms bloom in late winter before cherry blossoms. Also used in the traditional ranking system 松竹梅 (pine-bamboo-plum), where 梅 is the lowest rank, commonly seen on restaurant menus and gift sets.

Examples

1. 庭の梅の花がもう咲き始めた。 The plum blossoms in the garden have already started to bloom.
2. お弁当は梅のセットにします。 I'll have the plum-tier lunch set.
3. 梅干しは日本の伝統的な食べ物だ。 Pickled plums are a traditional Japanese food.

Usage Guide

Context: food, seasons, ranking systems

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 梅 combines 木 (tree) and 毎 (every), originally a pictographic representation of the plum tree. The plum was introduced to Japan from China and became deeply embedded in Japanese culture and poetry.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal