Translation guide
The satsuki azalea (Rhododendron indicum) is a popular flowering shrub in Japan, known for its late spring blooms and use in bonsai and gardens. This entry covers how to refer to the plant, its cultural context, and related terms.
Referring to the satsuki azalea as a plant species or individual shrub.
The most common name for the satsuki azalea in everyday Japanese. Often written in katakana, but can also be written as 皐月 or 五月. Note that 五月 usually means 'May' (the month), but in plant contexts it refers to this azalea.
庭にサツキが咲いています。
Satsuki azaleas are blooming in the garden.
Literally 'satsuki azalea', this is a more precise botanical name. It distinguishes it from other azaleas (ツツジ).
サツキツツジはツツジより遅く咲きます。
Satsuki azaleas bloom later than other azaleas.
The kanji form of サツキ. It is literary or traditional, often seen in bonsai contexts or older texts.
皐月の盆栽を展示しています。
We are exhibiting satsuki azalea bonsai.
Talking about satsuki azalea as bonsai, a very popular subject.
The standard term for satsuki azalea bonsai.
サツキ盆栽の手入れは難しいですか？
Is caring for satsuki azalea bonsai difficult?
Kanji version, often used in formal or traditional bonsai circles.
皐月盆栽の展示会が開かれます。
A satsuki azalea bonsai exhibition will be held.
Referring to the blooming season or flower viewing of satsuki azaleas.
Means 'satsuki flowers'. Used when specifically talking about the blossoms.
サツキの花が満開です。
The satsuki azalea flowers are in full bloom.
Means 'satsuki season', typically late May to June.
サツキの季節になりましたね。
It's satsuki azalea season, isn't it?
The word 五月 (gogatsu) means 'May'. While 皐月 (satsuki) is an old name for the fifth month of the lunar calendar, in modern Japanese it almost exclusively refers to the azalea. Using 五月 to mean the plant is incorrect; use サツキ or 皐月.
In Japanese, ツツジ (tsutsuji) is the general term for azaleas. Satsuki (サツキ) is a specific type that blooms later (May–June) and has smaller leaves. If you want to be precise, use サツキツツジ.