芽

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 芽 (め) is a noun for a sprout emerging from soil or a bud swelling on a branch.
• Basic usage: It describes a small sprout appearing or branch buds swelling as spring approaches.
  • 植木鉢の土から小さな芽が出ました。 — A small sprout emerged from the potting soil.
  • 春が近づくと枝の芽が少しずつ膨らみます。 — As spring approaches, the buds on the branches gradually swell.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Sprouting and swelling
  • 芽が出る describes a sprout emerging, while 芽が膨らむ describes a bud on a branch growing fuller.