柳は緑、花は紅

やなぎはみどり、はなはくれない

Meanings

1. Expression natural state; being unspoilt by human touch (literally: willows are green, flowers are crimson) (from a quote by Su Shi)
2. spring is beautiful
3. things are different by nature; all things have their characteristics

Kanji

• 柳 willow. Read as やなぎ.
• 緑 green. Read as みどり.
• 花 flower. Read as はな.
• 紅 crimson. Read as くれない.

Word lists

• Idioms

Jinuma: Japanese Dictionary · Word lists