Proverb / Kotowaza
百花繚乱
A state where many beautiful flowers are blooming at once, or a period where many talented people and great achievements appear simultaneously.
a hundred flowers blooming in profusion
Quick Answer
A state where many beautiful flowers are blooming at once, or a period where many talented people and great achievements appear simultaneously.
- Literal Image
- a hundred flowers blooming in profusion
- How to Use It
- Use this to describe a vibrant scene, a competitive field full of talent, or a highly productive period in culture or industry.
Meaning
This expression literally describes many different types of flowers blooming together in a colorful and magnificent display. Metaphorically, it refers to a time when many talented individuals, remarkable works, or great achievements emerge all at once. It is also used to describe a brilliant and lively gathering of elegantly dressed people.
Literal Image
a hundred flowers blooming in profusion
How to Use It
Use this to describe a vibrant scene, a competitive field full of talent, or a highly productive period in culture or industry.
Tone
Positive and appreciative; it conveys a sense of brilliance, variety, and abundance.
Examples
春の訪れとともに、庭園はチューリップやパンジーなど、まさに百花繚乱の様相を呈していた。
With the arrival of spring, the garden presented a scene of flowers blooming in profusion, with tulips and pansies in full display.
今年の映画祭は、才能あふれる若手監督の作品が百花繚乱で、どれを観るか迷ってしまうほどだ。
This year's film festival is a gathering of brilliant talent, with so many works by gifted young directors that it is hard to choose which one to watch.
アイドル業界は、個性豊かなグループが次々と登場し、百花繚乱の時代を迎えている。
The idol industry is entering a golden age with one unique group after another making their debut.
彼女の誕生日パーティーには、華やかにドレスアップした友人たちが集い、会場は百花繚乱の賑わいだった。
Her birthday party was a brilliant and lively scene, filled with friends who had dressed up elegantly for the occasion.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the kanji for 'hundred' and 'flower' are basic, 'ryouran' (blooming in profusion) uses formal kanji, and the phrase is a formal four-character idiom (yojijukugo).
百花
ひゃっか / hyakka
many/various flowers
繚乱
りょうらん / ryouran
blooming in profusion; blooming confusedly
Usage Profile
Usage note: This term is purely positive and celebratory; do not use it to describe a 'messy' or 'chaotic' situation in a negative sense.
Misread Risk
Learners might assume this only applies to actual plants, but it can be used for people, talent, and cultural trends.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The expression is not derived from a specific historical parable but was formed by combining the words 'hyakka' (many flowers) and 'ryouran' (the state of blooming in profusion). It has been used in Japanese literature since at least the Muromachi period, appearing in the 1507 work 'Saishousou' as '彷彿百花撩乱辰'. During the Meiji period, author Togawa Shukotsu used it in an essay to describe a flourishing literary scene, helping to establish its metaphorical use for a golden age of talent and works.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.