Translation guide
The English word 'lily' refers to a type of flowering plant. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ユリ (yuri), but there are also specific terms for different varieties and cultural contexts.
Referring to the lily flower in general, such as in gardens, bouquets, or everyday conversation.
The most common and general term for lily. Often written in katakana, but can also be written as 百合 in kanji.
Lilies are blooming in the garden.
彼女にユリの花束を贈りました。
I gave her a bouquet of lilies.
Kanji form of ユリ. Often used in formal or literary contexts, or in compound words.
百合の花は気品があります。
Lily flowers have elegance.
Referring to particular types of lilies, such as Easter lily, tiger lily, etc.
Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), known for its white trumpet-shaped flowers.
テッポウユリは沖縄の特産です。
Easter lilies are a specialty of Okinawa.
Tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium), with orange flowers and dark spots.
オニユリは夏に咲きます。
Tiger lilies bloom in summer.
Golden-rayed lily (Lilium auratum), native to Japan, with large white flowers and yellow stripes.
Referring to the lily in art, literature, heraldry, or as a symbolic flower (e.g., purity, Easter).
Used symbolically as in English. Note that in Japan, lilies are associated with funerals in some contexts, so be mindful of cultural differences.
ユリは純潔の象徴です。
The lily is a symbol of purity.
Fleur-de-lis, literally 'lily crest'. Used in heraldry or as a decorative motif.
その旗には百合の紋章が描かれている。
The flag has a fleur-de-lis on it.
Describing a pale, light color similar to that of a white lily.
Literally 'lily color', a pale yellowish-white or soft white. Not commonly used; more often described as 白っぽい (whitish) or クリーム色 (cream).
彼女はユリ色のドレスを着ていた。
She wore a lily-colored dress.
In Japan, lilies (especially white ones) are commonly used at funerals and can be associated with death. Avoid giving lilies as a casual gift or in celebratory bouquets unless you are sure of the context.
In everyday writing, ユリ in katakana is more common and easier to read. The kanji 百合 is used in formal or literary contexts, or in compound words like 百合科 (lily family).
Casablanca lily, a popular oriental hybrid with large white fragrant flowers.
カサブランカは香りが強いです。
Casablanca lilies have a strong fragrance.
Golden-rayed lilies can be seen in the mountains.