Translation guide
A garland is a decorative wreath or chain of flowers, leaves, or other materials, often worn or hung for celebration. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 花輪 (はなわ), but other words like 花冠 (かかん) or レイ (lei) are used depending on context.
A circular arrangement of flowers and leaves, often used for celebrations, funerals, or as a headpiece.
The most common and general term for a garland or wreath made of flowers. Used for both celebratory and funeral wreaths.
彼女は誕生日に花輪をもらった。
She received a garland on her birthday.
お葬式に大きな花輪が飾られていた。
A large garland was displayed at the funeral.
Specifically a flower crown or garland worn on the head, often associated with weddings, festivals, or fairy-tale imagery.
花嫁は花冠をつけていた。
The bride wore a flower garland on her head.
Loanword from Hawaiian 'lei', used for the flower garlands given as a welcome or farewell in Hawaii and sometimes in Japanese contexts.
ハワイでレイをかけてもらった。
I was given a lei in Hawaii.
A less common term for a decorative ring or garland, sometimes used for Christmas wreaths or general ornaments.
クリスマスに飾り輪をドアにかけた。
I hung a garland on the door for Christmas.
A garland worn on the head, often for festivals, weddings, or as a decorative accessory.
The standard term for a flower crown or garland worn on the head.
子供たちは花冠を作って遊んだ。
The children made flower garlands and played.
Literally 'flower crown', a more descriptive phrase that can be used in everyday speech.
彼女は花の冠をかぶって踊った。
She danced wearing a garland of flowers on her head.
A string or chain of materials like paper, leaves, or fabric used for decoration.
General term for decoration; can refer to garlands made of various materials. Often used in compound words like 紙飾り (paper decoration).
パーティーのために紙の飾りを作った。
We made paper garlands for the party.
Loanword from English 'garland', used especially for decorative fabric or paper chains in party settings.
壁にガーランドを飾った。
I decorated the wall with a garland.
花輪 (はなわ) is a general wreath or garland, often large and used for ceremonies or funerals. 花冠 (かかん) specifically refers to a garland worn on the head, like a flower crown. Use 花輪 for most situations unless it's a headpiece.
The loanword ガーランド is mainly used for decorative paper or fabric chains, not for flower garlands. Using it for a flower wreath may sound unnatural.
彼女は生花の花冠を髪につけていた。
She wore a garland of fresh flowers in her hair.
彼らは祭りのために部屋中に花輪を飾った。
They hung garlands around the room for the festival.