葉

• Reading: は
• Romaji: ha
• Kanji breakdown: 葉 (you/ha) — leaf, foliage
• Pronunciation: /ha/

Meaning

Leaf; blade of grass; needle; frond. The flat green part of a plant or tree.

A noun referring to leaves and foliage. Central to Japanese seasonal culture, as 紅葉 (kouyou, autumn foliage) is one of Japan's most celebrated natural events. Also used in compounds like 言葉 (kotoba, words/language) and 葉書 (hagaki, postcard).

Examples

1. 秋に葉の色が変わります。 In fall, the color of the leaves changes.
2. 風で葉が落ちています。 Leaves are falling in the wind.
3. 緑の葉がとてもきれいです。 The green leaves are very beautiful.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, seasons, plants

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 葉 combines the grass radical 艹 with 世 and 木, representing foliage growing on trees. The element suggests generations of leaves coming and going.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal