Japanese meaning of 百花繚乱
Reading:
ひゃっかりょうらん (hyakka ryōran)
English Translation:
A profusion of blooming flowers; a gathering of many outstanding people or talents.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A situation where many excellent people or things appear at once, each competing in beauty or excellence.
Cultural Context:
Originates from classical Chinese poetry, where "a hundred flowers blooming in profusion" symbolizes beauty and abundance. In modern Japanese, it is often used in contexts like art, literature, or talent shows to praise variety and brilliance.
多くの優れた人や物が一度に現れ、互いに美や才能を競い合うさま。
中国古典詩に由来し、「百の花が咲き乱れる」様子から美しさや豊かさを象徴する表現。現代日本語では芸術、文学、コンテストなど、多様で優れたものが集まる状況でよく使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase often used with “の〜” to modify nouns (“百花繚乱の時代”).
• Can function as a standalone predicate with “だ” or “である.”
Trap for English Speakers
Confusing to interpret literally as a scene with flowers; meaning is metaphorical about people or talents.
Example
Basic Example
春の庭は百花繚乱で、色とりどりの花が咲き誇っていた。
The spring garden was in full bloom, a dazzling display of countless flowers.
Applied Example
コートに並ぶユニフォームの色は百花繚乱のようだった。
The colors of the uniforms on the court were like a profusion of blooming flowers.