splendor · flower

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 華 is read か, has 10 strokes, and relates to splendor or brightness.
• Basic usage: 豪華 is read ごうか, and 華やか is read はなやか.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 豪華 and 華やか
  • 豪華 means luxurious or splendid.
  • 広間には豪華な照明が輝いていた。 means “Ornate lighting fixtures shone in the great hall.”
  • 華やか means glamorous or bright.
  • 会場は華やかな花で飾られていた。 means “The venue was decorated with gorgeous flowers.”