noun Uncommon

sakura

SA-kuu-ruh

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Sakura (noun) means the Japanese cherry tree, or its blossom. Example: “Tourists flock to Tokyo every spring to see the sakura in bloom.”

noun

The Japanese cherry tree, or its blossom.

"In his hand, he holds a sakura. He plans to give it to his daughter, marking a milestone in her life and protection for the future." — Rajah E. Smart, Felicia M. Banks (2022)

"Tourists flock to Tokyo every spring to see the sakura in bloom."

"Pink sakura petals drifted across the park."

"I’ll have to change my name and move to Japan, where people have given up on reproducing and have turned to much more enlightened, spiritually renewing social activities, like viewing blooming sakuras, bathing in onsens, etc." — Lauren Ho, Last Tang Standing (2020)

How to use sakura

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe Japanese cherry blossom tree, famous for its brief, spectacular spring flowering.

Common pairings

sakura season sakura blossoms cherry blossom (sakura) viewing

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: sakuras

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Tourists flock to Tokyo every spring to see the _____ in bloom.

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese sakura, "cherry tree."

Origin: Japanese

Rhymes for sakura

Jura aura sura Yura Laura Maura shura Miura Ashura kimura Tamura Nomura

See all rhymes for sakura →

Frequently asked questions

What does “sakura” mean?

The word “sakura” means the Japanese cherry tree, or its blossom. In plain terms, the Japanese cherry blossom tree, famous for its brief, spectacular spring flowering.

How do you pronounce “sakura”?

“Sakura” is pronounced SA-kuu-ruh (/ˈsækʊɹə/ in IPA).

How do you use “sakura” in a sentence?

Here is “sakura” used in a sentence: “Tourists flock to Tokyo every spring to see the sakura in bloom.”

What part of speech is “sakura”?

“Sakura” is a noun.

Where does the word “sakura” come from?

The word “sakura” comes from Japanese. Borrowed from Japanese sakura, "cherry tree.".

Is “sakura” a common word?

“Sakura” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Vocabulary lists that include sakura:

Words with Japanese origins