You walk into a Taipei flower shop, ready to buy a bouquet for your host family. Rows of gorgeous blooms surround you in every direction. The shopkeeper asks which flowers you want, and you freeze. Do you know how to say “rose” in Chinese? More importantly, do you know that giving someone chrysanthemums might send the very wrong message?
Flowers in Chinese culture aren’t just pretty decorations. Each bloom carries centuries of meaning, literary references, and social expectations. Learning flower names means understanding how Chinese speakers see beauty, virtue, and the natural world. This guide teaches Traditional Chinese flower vocabulary using Taiwan-standard terms and pinyin, from the roses you’ll find in every florist to the symbolic blossoms that grace paintings, poetry, and national emblems.
The Building Blocks of Flower Names
The word for flower is 花 (huā). This simple character appears in countless flower names, usually at the end. Understanding how Chinese flower names work makes memorization effortless.
Most flower names follow predictable patterns. They combine a descriptive element with 花 (huā). The description might reference color (紅 hóng red, 白 bái white), symbolism (喜 xǐ joy), origin (牡丹 mǔ dān peony from 牡 meaning male and 丹 meaning red cinnabar), or what the flower resembles. Some flowers have names so ancient they’ve become single characters, like 梅 (méi, plum blossom) or 蘭 (lán, orchid).
Chinese culture organizes flowers into meaningful groups. The Four Gentlemen (四君子 sì jūn zǐ) are plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, representing ideal scholarly virtues. The Flowers of the Four Seasons are orchid for spring, lotus for summer, chrysanthemum for autumn, and plum blossom for winter. Understanding these traditional groupings helps you grasp why certain flowers appear so frequently in art, poetry, and everyday conversation.
Everyday Flowers You’ll See in Taiwan
Rose
玫瑰 méi guī rose
The classic symbol of romance worldwide, and China is no exception. 玫瑰 (méi guī) uses two characters specific to roses. Red roses (紅玫瑰 hóng méi guī) are the go-to flower for expressing romantic love, especially on Chinese Valentine’s Day (七夕 qī xī). You’ll find rose vendors outside MRT stations on holidays, and flower shops dedicate entire sections to elaborate rose arrangements.
Sunflower
向日葵 xiàng rì kuí sunflower
Literally “facing-sun flower,” this name perfectly describes how sunflowers turn to follow the sun across the sky. 向 (xiàng) means facing or toward, 日 (rì) means sun, and 葵 (kuí) is a general term for certain flowering plants. Sunflowers symbolize warmth, positivity, and loyalty. They’re popular gifts for cheering someone up or expressing admiration.
Tulip
鬱金香 yù jīn xiāng tulip
The name combines 鬱金 (yù jīn, turmeric) with 香 (xiāng, fragrant). Though tulips originated in Central Asia and became famous through Dutch cultivation, they’re now popular spring flowers in Taiwan. The Taipei Shilin Official Residence hosts tulip displays during spring that draw huge crowds.
Carnation
康乃馨 kāng nǎi xīn carnation
This is a phonetic transliteration of the English word “carnation.” Carnations are the traditional Mother’s Day flower in Taiwan, just as in many Western countries. Pink carnations are especially popular for expressing gratitude and love to mothers.
Daisy
雛菊 chú jú daisy
The name means “young chrysanthemum” because daisies resemble miniature chrysanthemums. 雛 (chú) means young or chick, while 菊 (jú) is chrysanthemum. White daisies represent innocence and purity, making them popular in simple, cheerful bouquets.
The Four Gentlemen: Flowers of Scholarly Virtue
These four plants represent the ideal qualities of a cultivated person in traditional Chinese culture.
Plum Blossom
梅花 méi huā plum blossom
Taiwan’s national flower. The plum tree blooms in late winter when snow still covers the ground, symbolizing resilience, perseverance, and hope. The character 梅 (méi) stands alone for the plum tree, while 梅花 (méi huā) specifically means the flower.
梅 méi plum (tree or fruit)
Plum blossoms appear on Taiwan’s currency, the China Airlines logo, and countless cultural representations. The five petals represent the five branches of Taiwan’s government, while also symbolizing the five traditional blessings: good fortune, prosperity, longevity, joy, and wealth. When Taiwanese people see plum blossoms blooming around Chinese New Year, they’re seeing a symbol that has represented courage through adversity for over a thousand years.
Orchid
蘭花 lán huā orchid
One of the most beloved flowers in Chinese culture. 蘭 (lán) is such a culturally significant flower that it became a common name for girls, and still is today. Orchids represent elegance, refinement, beauty, and feminine grace. Taiwan’s subtropical climate makes it perfect for orchid cultivation, and the island has become a world leader in orchid exports.
蘭 lán orchid
In classical literature, orchids symbolize the noble character of a scholar. Their subtle fragrance and elegant form made them favorites of poets and painters for centuries. Today, you’ll see orchid farms throughout southern Taiwan, and orchid displays at temples and businesses seeking to project sophistication.
Chrysanthemum
菊花 jú huā chrysanthemum
This autumn flower represents longevity, nobility, and vitality. The character 菊 (jú) specifically refers to chrysanthemums, and the flower has been cultivated in China for over two thousand years. Chrysanthemum tea (菊花茶 jú huā chá) is a popular traditional beverage believed to have cooling properties.
However, there’s a critical cultural warning: in Taiwan and mainland China, chrysanthemums are strongly associated with death and funerals. Yellow chrysanthemums especially are used to honor the deceased. Never give chrysanthemums as a gift unless attending a funeral or visiting a grave. This would be like showing up to a birthday party with funeral wreaths.
Bamboo
竹 zhú bamboo
While technically a grass rather than a flower, bamboo is grouped with the Four Gentlemen because it represents strength, resilience, and flexibility. Bamboo bends in storms but doesn’t break, making it a symbol of adaptability and moral integrity. When bamboo does flower (which happens rarely, sometimes only once every several decades), it’s considered noteworthy.
The Flowers of the Four Seasons
These four flowers represent the cyclical nature of the year.
Lotus
蓮花 lián huā lotus
The quintessential summer flower and one of the most important symbols in Chinese and Buddhist culture. The lotus grows from muddy water but emerges pristine and beautiful, symbolizing purity, spiritual enlightenment, and the ability to rise above difficult circumstances.
荷花 hé huā lotus (alternative name)
Both 蓮花 (lián huā) and 荷花 (hé huā) refer to lotus flowers, with 荷花 being more common in everyday speech. Lotus ponds are popular features in traditional gardens, temples, and parks throughout Taiwan. The entire plant is edible: lotus root (蓮藕 lián ǒu) is a common vegetable, and lotus seeds (蓮子 lián zǐ) are used in desserts and soups.
Peony
牡丹 mǔ dān peony
Known as the “king of flowers” in Chinese culture, peonies represent wealth, honor, prosperity, and feminine beauty. The name combines 牡 (mǔ, male) with 丹 (dān, cinnabar red), though peonies come in many colors. During China’s Tang Dynasty, peonies were so prized that only royalty could grow them in their gardens.
Peonies bloom in late spring and are popular subjects in traditional painting and embroidery. You’ll see peony motifs on everything from clothing to pottery to furniture. Giving someone peonies implies you wish them prosperity and high social standing. They’re also popular wedding flowers because they symbolize a happy marriage and good fortune.
Beautiful Blossoms and Spring Flowers
Cherry Blossom
櫻花 yīng huā cherry blossom
While more famously associated with Japanese culture, cherry blossoms are also appreciated in Taiwan. The character 櫻 (yīng) specifically refers to cherries and cherry blossoms. Several mountain areas in Taiwan have cherry trees that bloom spectacularly in early spring, attracting crowds of photographers and families.
Cherry blossoms represent the transient nature of beauty and life itself. They bloom gorgeously for just a brief time before the petals scatter in the wind, creating a poignant reminder to appreciate beauty while it lasts.
Peach Blossom
桃花 táo huā peach blossom
桃 (táo) is the character for peach, both the fruit and the tree. Peach blossoms bloom in early spring with delicate pink flowers that symbolize romance, spring, longevity, and new beginnings. In Chinese mythology, peaches from the Queen Mother of the West’s garden granted immortality.
Peach blossoms are popular decorations during Chinese New Year because they herald spring’s arrival. They’re also associated with love and marriage. The phrase 桃花運 (táo huā yùn, peach blossom luck) refers to romantic luck or attractiveness to potential partners.
Magnolia
木蘭花 mù lán huā magnolia
The name means “wood orchid flower.” 木 (mù) is wood, 蘭 (lán) is orchid, and 花 (huā) is flower. An alternative name is 玉蘭花 (yù lán huā, jade orchid flower), emphasizing the flower’s elegant, pure appearance.
玉蘭花 yù lán huā magnolia (alternative name)
Magnolias symbolize purity, nobility, and feminine beauty. They bloom in early spring with large, fragrant white or pink flowers. The legendary female warrior Mulan shares her name with this flower, as 木蘭 (mù lán) is the magnolia. The connection suggests grace combined with strength.
Azalea
杜鵑花 dù juān huā azalea
Literally “cuckoo flower,” named because azaleas bloom around the same time that cuckoo birds appear in spring. The character 杜鵑 (dù juān) specifically refers to cuckoos, and the flower got associated with the bird through poetry and folklore.
Azaleas grow abundantly in Taiwan’s mountains and have become Taipei’s city flower. The National Taiwan University campus is famous for its azalea displays every spring. The flowers represent homesickness and the bittersweet beauty of remembering one’s homeland.
Garden and Decorative Flowers
Lily
百合 bǎi hé lily
The name means “hundred unions,” suggesting harmony and unity. 百 (bǎi) is hundred, while 合 (hé) means to join or unite. Lilies symbolize purity, happiness, and lasting union, making them popular wedding flowers.
台灣百合 tái wān bǎi hé Taiwan lily
The Taiwan lily (台灣百合 tái wān bǎi hé) is endemic to Taiwan and has been proposed as an alternative national flower. These elegant white trumpets bloom on mountain slopes and represent the Taiwanese people’s resilience and pursuit of freedom.
Hibiscus
芙蓉花 fú róng huā hibiscus
芙蓉 (fú róng) refers to hibiscus or lotus, though in modern usage it typically means hibiscus. These tropical flowers bloom year-round in Taiwan’s warm climate. Hibiscus represents delicate beauty and the fleeting nature of fame and glory, as each flower lasts only a single day before wilting.
扶桑花 fú sāng huā hibiscus (alternative name)
扶桑花 (fú sāng huā) is another common name for hibiscus, particularly the red tropical variety. These bright, cheerful flowers are popular in gardens and parks throughout Taiwan.
Camellia
山茶花 shān chá huā camellia
Literally “mountain tea flower,” as camellias are related to tea plants. 山 (shān) means mountain, 茶 (chá) is tea, and 花 (huā) is flower. Camellias bloom in winter and early spring with waxy, rose-like flowers in white, pink, and red.
Camellias symbolize steadfast love and admiration. Their ability to bloom during cold weather makes them symbols of endurance and devotion. They’re popular ornamental plants in Taiwan’s cooler mountain regions.
Osmanthus
桂花 guì huā osmanthus / sweet olive
桂 (guì) refers to osmanthus or cassia trees. These small, incredibly fragrant flowers bloom in autumn and have been beloved in Chinese culture for centuries. The scent is sweet and apricot-like, often compared to ripe peaches.
Osmanthus flowers are used to make tea, wine, and sweet cakes. They appear frequently in classical poetry as symbols of literary achievement and honor. The phrase 折桂 (zhé guì, plucking osmanthus) became a metaphor for passing imperial examinations, since osmanthus trees supposedly grew on the moon and were difficult to reach.
Gardenia
梔子花 zhī zi huā gardenia
梔子 (zhī zi) specifically refers to gardenias. These white flowers are famous for their intense, sweet fragrance. Gardenias symbolize purity, elegance, and secret love. They’re popular in perfumes and as ornamental plants, though they can be challenging to grow as they require specific soil conditions.
Cultural and Symbolic Flowers
Morning Glory
牽牛花 qiān niú huā morning glory
The name means “lead-the-ox flower,” referencing an ancient legend. 牽 (qiān) means to lead, 牛 (niú) is ox or cow. According to folklore, these flowers were found growing where an ox was led, hence the name. Morning glories open at dawn and close by midday, symbolizing fleeting beauty and the passage of time.
Narcissus
水仙 shuǐ xiān narcissus / daffodil
Literally “water immortal,” this name captures the flower’s delicate beauty and its preference for growing near water. 水 (shuǐ) means water, while 仙 (xiān) means immortal or celestial being. Narcissus flowers are traditional decorations during Chinese New Year, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.
Jasmine
茉莉花 mò lì huā jasmine
茉莉 (mò lì) is a phonetic transliteration that specifically refers to jasmine. These small white flowers are incredibly fragrant and are used to scent tea, creating jasmine tea (茉莉花茶 mò lì huā chá), one of the most popular tea varieties in Chinese culture.
Jasmine symbolizes purity, elegance, and sweet love. The famous folk song 茉莉花 (mò lì huā) praises the flower’s beauty and fragrance, and has become internationally recognized as representing Chinese culture.
Poppy
罌粟花 yīng sù huā poppy
罌粟 (yīng sù) specifically refers to poppies. While beautiful, poppies have complicated associations in Chinese culture because opium comes from certain poppy species. The Opium Wars of the 19th century left deep cultural scars. However, ornamental poppies are still appreciated for their delicate, colorful blooms in gardens.
Lavender
薰衣草 xūn yī cǎo lavender
Literally “smoke-clothing grass,” perhaps referring to how lavender’s scent can perfume clothes. 薰 (xūn) means smoke or fragrance, 衣 (yī) is clothing, and 草 (cǎo) is grass or herb. Lavender farms have become popular tourist destinations in Taiwan, particularly in Taoyuan. Lavender represents devotion, serenity, and calmness.
Mini Dialogues
A: 你想買什麼花？ A: nǐ xiǎng mǎi shén me huā? A: What flowers do you want to buy?
B: 我想買玫瑰。紅玫瑰多少錢？ B: wǒ xiǎng mǎi méi guī. hóng méi guī duō shǎo qián? B: I want to buy roses. How much are red roses?
A: 這是什麼花？好香！ A: zhè shì shén me huā? hǎo xiāng! A: What flower is this? It smells wonderful!
B: 這是桂花。秋天開的。 B: zhè shì guì huā. qiū tiān kāi de. B: This is osmanthus. It blooms in autumn.
A: 母親節要送什麼花給媽媽？ A: mǔ qīn jié yào sòng shén me huā gěi mā ma? A: What flowers should I give mom for Mother’s Day?
B: 康乃馨最好。千萬不要送菊花！ B: kāng nǎi xīn zuì hǎo. qiān wàn bú yào sòng jú huā! B: Carnations are best. Absolutely don’t give chrysanthemums!
A: 梅花是臺灣的國花嗎？ A: méi huā shì tái wān de guó huā ma? A: Is the plum blossom Taiwan’s national flower?
B: 對，梅花代表堅強和希望。 B: duì, méi huā dài biǎo jiān qiáng hé xī wàng. B: Yes, plum blossoms represent strength and hope.
A: 你喜歡什麼花？ A: nǐ xǐ huān shén me huā? A: What’s your favorite flower?
B: 我喜歡蓮花。它很美，而且有意義。 B: wǒ xǐ huān lián huā. tā hěn měi, ér qiě yǒu yì yì. B: I like lotus flowers. They’re beautiful and meaningful.
Copy-Ready Patterns
Asking About Flowers
這是什麼花？ zhè shì shén me huā? What flower is this?
〔Flower〕是什麼顏色？ 〔flower〕 shì shén me yán sè? What color is the 〔flower〕?
Buying Flowers
我想買〔flower〕。 wǒ xiǎng mǎi 〔flower〕. I want to buy 〔flower〕.
〔Flower〕多少錢一束？ 〔flower〕 duō shǎo qián yì shù? How much is a bouquet of 〔flower〕?
Describing Flowers
〔Flower〕很〔adjective〕。 〔flower〕 hěn 〔adjective〕. 〔Flower〕 is very 〔adjective〕.
這朵花很香。 zhè duǒ huā hěn xiāng. This flower is very fragrant.
Giving Flowers
我想送〔flower〕給〔person〕。 wǒ xiǎng sòng 〔flower〕 gěi 〔person〕. I want to give 〔flower〕 to 〔person〕.
這些玫瑰是送給你的。 zhè xiē méi guī shì sòng gěi nǐ de. These roses are for you.
Talking About Blooming
〔Flower〕什麼時候開？ 〔flower〕 shén me shí hòu kāi? When does 〔flower〕 bloom?
梅花冬天開。 méi huā dōng tiān kāi. Plum blossoms bloom in winter.
Usage Notes and Common Mistakes
Measure word mastery: The measure word for flowers is 朵 (duǒ) for individual blooms and 束 (shù) for bouquets. Say 一朵花 (yì duǒ huā, one flower) or 一束花 (yì shù huā, one bouquet). Don’t use 個 (gè), the general measure word, for flowers.
Color matters: White flowers are associated with funerals and mourning in Chinese culture, just as black is in Western culture. Avoid giving white flowers for birthdays, celebrations, or hospital visits. White lilies, white chrysanthemums, and white carnations are especially associated with death and should only be used in funeral contexts.
Chrysanthemum taboo: This cannot be stressed enough—do not give chrysanthemums to living people in social contexts. They are funeral flowers. Yellow chrysanthemums are especially associated with death. If you accidentally give someone chrysanthemums for their birthday or as a get-well gift, you’ve essentially wished them dead. Stick with roses, tulips, lilies, or sunflowers for safe celebratory gifts.
Lucky numbers: When buying bouquets, stick with even numbers of flowers (except four, which sounds like death). Six, eight, and nine are particularly auspicious. Never give four of anything, as 四 (sì, four) sounds like 死 (sǐ, death).
Plum versus cherry confusion: 梅花 (méi huā, plum blossom) and 櫻花 (yīng huā, cherry blossom) look similar but have different cultural associations. Plum blossoms bloom earlier in late winter and have rounder petals. Cherry blossoms bloom in early spring and have notched petals. Plum blossoms are more culturally significant in Chinese tradition, while cherry blossoms are more associated with Japanese culture.
Lotus versus water lily: True lotus (蓮花 lián huā) and water lilies are different plants, though both grow in water. Lotus flowers emerge high above the water on stems, while water lily flowers float on the surface. The lotus has deep cultural and religious significance that water lilies lack.
Quick Reference Table
| English | Traditional Chinese | Pinyin |
| flower | 花 | huā |
| rose | 玫瑰 | méi guī |
| plum blossom | 梅花 | méi huā |
| cherry blossom | 櫻花 | yīng huā |
| peach blossom | 桃花 | táo huā |
| orchid | 蘭花 | lán huā |
| lotus | 蓮花 / 荷花 | lián huā / hé huā |
| chrysanthemum | 菊花 | jú huā |
| peony | 牡丹 | mǔ dān |
| lily | 百合 | bǎi hé |
| sunflower | 向日葵 | xiàng rì kuí |
| carnation | 康乃馨 | kāng nǎi xīn |
| tulip | 鬱金香 | yù jīn xiāng |
| daisy | 雛菊 | chú jú |
| magnolia | 木蘭花 / 玉蘭花 | mù lán huā / yù lán huā |
| azalea | 杜鵑花 | dù juān huā |
| camellia | 山茶花 | shān chá huā |
| hibiscus | 芙蓉花 / 扶桑花 | fú róng huā / fú sāng huā |
| jasmine | 茉莉花 | mò lì huā |
| osmanthus | 桂花 | guì huā |
| gardenia | 梔子花 | zhī zi huā |
| lavender | 薰衣草 | xūn yī cǎo |
| narcissus | 水仙 | shuǐ xiān |
| morning glory | 牽牛花 | qiān niú huā |
| bamboo | 竹 | zhú |
| Taiwan lily | 台灣百合 | tái wān bǎi hé |
Pronunciation Tips
The -hua ending: Many flower names end with 花 (huā). This is a first tone, high and level. Don’t let it drop at the end. Practice maintaining that high tone: 玫瑰花 (méi guī huā), 蘭花 (lán huā), 菊花 (jú huā).
The ü sound: Several flower names contain the ü sound written as ‘u’ after j, q, x. The characters 菊 (jú) and 鬱 (yù) both have this rounded vowel. Round your lips as for “oo” but say “ee.” It’s similar to French “tu” or German “ü.”
Retroflex initials: Flowers like 梔子花 (zhī zi huā) use the zh- initial. Curl your tongue back slightly and keep it there while saying the sound. This distinguishes it from z-, which is pronounced with the tongue forward behind the teeth.
Tone combinations: When saying 玫瑰 (méi guī, rose), you have second tone followed by first tone. The second tone rises, then the first tone stays high and flat. Practice the smooth transition without dropping pitch between syllables.
Third tone sandhi: In 百合 (bǎi hé, lily), you have two third tones in a row. The first third tone changes to second tone in natural speech, becoming bái hé. However, both are written with third tone marks because that’s their underlying tone.
The -ian and -üan finals: 蓮 (lián) uses the -ian final, while 鵑 (juān) uses -üan. For -ian, start with “ee” and glide toward “en.” For -üan, start with the rounded ü and glide toward “en.” Keep both finals nasal.
Practice Plan: Five Honest Minutes
Day 1-2: Master the six most essential flowers: 花 (huā), 玫瑰 (méi guī), 蓮花 (lián huā), 菊花 (jú huā), 蘭花 (lán huā), 梅花 (méi huā). Write each one three times while saying it aloud. Memorize the critical rule: never give chrysanthemums to living people.
Day 3-4: Learn the Four Gentlemen: 梅花 (méi huā), 蘭花 (lán huā), 竹 (zhú), 菊花 (jú huā). Understand what each symbolizes (plum = perseverance, orchid = elegance, bamboo = integrity, chrysanthemum = longevity). These appear constantly in Chinese art and conversation.
Day 5-6: Focus on common garden flowers: 向日葵 (xiàng rì kuí), 鬱金香 (yù jīn xiāng), 百合 (bǎi hé), 康乃馨 (kāng nǎi xīn), 雛菊 (chú jú). Practice the measure words: 一朵花 (yì duǒ huā), 一束花 (yì shù huā).
Day 7-8: Study the symbolic blossoms: 櫻花 (yīng huā), 桃花 (táo huā), 木蘭花 (mù lán huā), 杜鵑花 (dù juān huā). Learn what season each represents and what it symbolizes.
Day 9-10: Learn fragrant flowers: 茉莉花 (mò lì huā), 桂花 (guì huā), 梔子花 (zhī zi huā), 薰衣草 (xūn yī cǎo). These appear in teas, perfumes, and desserts. Practice asking 這是什麼花？(zhè shì shén me huā? What flower is this?)
Day 11-12: Master the peony and its cultural weight: 牡丹 (mǔ dān). Learn the alternative lotus name 荷花 (hé huā) and the hibiscus variations 芙蓉花 (fú róng huā) and 扶桑花 (fú sāng huā).
Day 13-14: Practice the mini-dialogues until they feel natural. Pay special attention to buying flowers and giving them as gifts. Record yourself and compare to native pronunciation.
Day 15: Review with the quick reference table. Test yourself both ways: cover the Chinese and recall from English, then reverse. Visit a flower shop or park and try identifying real flowers using your new vocabulary.
Beyond the Basics
Once you’re comfortable with common flowers, explore specialized terms. A florist is 花店 (huā diàn) or 花商 (huā shāng). A bouquet is 花束 (huā shù), and flower arrangement is 插花 (chā huā). Petals are 花瓣 (huā bàn), stems are 莖 (jīng), and fragrance is 香味 (xiāng wèi) or 芳香 (fāng xiāng).
Taiwan has numerous flower festivals throughout the year. The Yangmingshan Flower Festival showcases azaleas and cherry blossoms in spring. The Taiwan International Orchid Show in Tainan is one of the world’s major orchid exhibitions. Visiting these events gives you chances to practice flower vocabulary with passionate enthusiasts.
Understanding flower symbolism opens doors to appreciating classical Chinese poetry, where flowers appear as metaphors for human virtues, emotions, and life stages. The plum blossom’s appearance in winter poetry symbolizes the scholar maintaining virtue through hardship. The lotus rising from mud represents achieving enlightenment despite worldly contamination. These aren’t just pretty images—they’re a sophisticated symbolic language that has shaped Chinese artistic expression for millennia.
Yak’s Final Word
Flowers in Chinese aren’t just botanical specimens with random names. They’re living symbols carrying centuries of meaning. A 梅花 (méi huā) isn’t simply a plum blossom—it’s Taiwan’s national symbol, a representation of perseverance, and the subject of countless poems. A 菊花 (jú huā) isn’t just a chrysanthemum—it’s a flower you absolutely must not give to your Taiwanese friend on their birthday unless you want to seriously offend them.
Once you understand the patterns, flower names become windows into how Chinese culture sees the natural world. Every bloom tells a story. Next time you walk through a Taipei park in spring and see those pink and white blossoms, you’ll know whether you’re looking at 櫻花 (cherry blossoms) or 桃花 (peach blossoms). And when someone asks what flowers to bring to a dinner party, you’ll confidently suggest 百合 (lilies) for harmony or 向日葵 (sunflowers) for warmth—but never, ever 菊花 (chrysanthemums). Your vocabulary isn’t just growing—you’re learning to speak the language of petals, one bloom at a time.