Japanese meaning of 花鳥諷詠
Reading:
かちょうふうえい (kachou fuei)
English Translation:
Composing poetry inspired by nature
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
To compose verse that “sings” birds-and-flowers—nature observed and distilled into poetry.
Cultural Context:
Strongly associated with modern haiku aesthetics (Hototogisu school); emphasizes season words and faithful observation.
自然を観照し、花鳥を「詠む」作法。写生的まなざしと季節感の詩法。
近代俳句（ホトトギス派）と結びつく理念。季語と自然観察を重んじる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase used with “を楽しむ” or “の精神” to describe appreciating and expressing nature’s beauty through poetry, especially haiku (“花鳥諷詠の精神を大切にする”).
• Common in literary or seasonal cultural contexts.
Trap for English Speakers
May be mistaken as literal “watching birds and flowers,” but it emphasizes poetic appreciation of nature.
Example
Basic Example
花鳥諷詠の心で俳句を詠む。
Write haiku with a heart inspired by nature.
Applied Example
桜の下で、友人と花鳥諷詠を競い合うのが春の恒例行事だ。
Under the cherry blossoms, competing with friends in composing nature-inspired poetry is our annual spring tradition.