サクラ
Your name
Sakura
in Japanese
The default way to write Sakura in Japanese is サクラ — a phonetic katakana spelling that captures the sound and signals, instantly to a Japanese reader, that the name comes from elsewhere. But katakana is only one of three answers Japanese gives to a foreign name.
Below, we show all three. First the official katakana. Then a set of meaning kanji chosen to express what Sakura actually means at the root — The name 'Sakura' is itself Japanese in origin, meaning 'cherry blossom' — a symbol of beauty, renewal, and the fleeting nature of life (mono no aware). Finally a set of ateji, the playful tradition where the kanji match the sound and tell their own small story underneath.
Katakana — Phonetic
How Sakura is most commonly written in Japanese — used on official documents, business cards, and signage.
Meaning Kanji — Etymology
"Sakura" means: The name 'Sakura' is itself Japanese in origin, meaning 'cherry blossom' — a symbol of beauty, renewal, and the fleeting nature of life (mono no aware). It evokes spring, hope, and grace.
桜
Sakura
The classical and most direct rendering, capturing the flower itself as a symbol of ephemeral beauty.
咲良
Sakura
Together: 'blooming beautifully' or 'a fine blossoming' — popular as a modern girl's name evoking growth and virtue.
桜花
Sakura / Ōka
'Cherry blossom flower' — doubles down on the floral imagery, emphasizing delicate beauty and spring.
Ateji — Sound + Meaning
Where the sound matches and the kanji tell their own small story. The Edo scholars and modern manga authors both played this game.
朔空
Sakura
Mystical reading: 'new-moon sky' — a quiet, cosmic image of fresh beginnings under a dark vast sky.
紗久羅
Sakura
Cute and elegant: 'eternal silken gauze' — a delicate, lacy, fairytale-like impression.
颯空羅
Sakura
Cool reading: 'wind-swept sky, woven' — evokes a swift breeze cutting across an open sky, dynamic and bold.
Not sure which form to use?
Katakana, meaning kanji, and ateji each belong to a different part of Japanese life — official paperwork, calligraphy and gifts, signatures and wordplay. Our full guide walks through when to reach for each one.
Read the guide: the three ways to write your name in Japanese →
Seven, drawn