also: はちす
noun
lotus; sacred lotus; Indian lotus
Refers to the aquatic plant Nelumbo nucifera, known for its large, beautiful flowers and religious significance in Buddhism.
池にハスの花が咲いている。
Lotus flowers are blooming in the pond.
ハスの根はレンコンとして食べられる。
The lotus root is eaten as renkon.
noun
Only when written 蓮 · Only with reading はちす
Rare, obsolete usage referring to Hibiscus syriacus, distinct from the common lotus meaning. Only used with the reading はちす.
See also: ムクゲ
古い文献では、蓮がムクゲを指すことがある。
In old texts, 蓮 (はちす) can refer to the rose of Sharon.
Kanji spelling is also used, especially in formal or literary contexts.
Obsolete reading for the rose of Sharon sense.
Hiragana spelling is also common.
Rarely used kanji form.
The Japanese word はす is of native origin, with the kanji 蓮 borrowed from Chinese. The obsolete reading はちす is a compound of 蜂 (hachi, 'bee') + 巣 (su, 'nest'), referring to the lotus seed pod's resemblance to a beehive.