桜

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 桜, read さくら, refers both to a cherry tree and to its blossoms.
• Basic usage: In 川沿いの桜が満開になり、多くの人が散歩していた。, the riverside cherry trees were in full bloom and many people were walking there.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Blossom and tree
  • 桜が満開 describes blossoms in full bloom; the object planted in 若い桜を植えた is a young cherry tree.