Japanese meaning of 花より団子
Reading:
はなよりだんご (Hana yori dango)
English Translation:
Substance over style / Bread is better than the song of birds
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
This proverb means people tend to value practical benefits or necessities over aesthetics or appearances. While enjoying cherry blossoms, some may focus more on eating delicious treats than on the beauty of the flowers. It suggests that people often prefer substance and real gain over things that are merely pleasing to the eye.
Cultural Context:
Reflects Japanese pragmatism and realistic attitudes.
見た目や雰囲気よりも実際に役立つもの、実利を優先する人の心理を表したことわざです。花見に行っても美しい桜より団子や食べ物を楽しむ人が多いように、現実的で実用的な価値観を表しています。
日本人の現実的・実利的な価値観を反映しています。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Uses a comparative structure ("より") to express preference.
Trap for English Speakers
“Dumplings” and “flowers” are symbolic, not literal.
Example
Basic Example
花見の幹事なのに、彼は「花より団子」を地で行き、屋台のメニューばかり調べていた。
At the cherry‑blossom party, he literally lived by “dumplings over flowers,” obsessing over food stalls rather than petals.
Applied Example
「花より団子。きれいよりおいしい、これが俺の流儀だ。」
“Substance over style. Dumplings over flowers. That’s my way.”